Governor Fernandes Barasa has officially handed over Ksh 12 million in grants to the third cohort of the County Youth Service and Women Empowerment Programme (CYSWEP). The ceremony, held at Bukhungu Stadium on Friday, marks a major milestone in the county’s mission to foster grassroots economic independence.
The disbursement targeted 120 self-help groups selected from all 60 wards across Kakamega County. Each ward was represented by two groups, with every group receiving Ksh 100,000 to kickstart or scale up income-generating ventures.
These grants are a strategic component of the CYSWEP exit plan. While the programme initially provided temporary public service employment, this final phase is designed to transition beneficiaries into sustainable self-employment.
Since its inception in 2019, CYSWEP has been more than just a job provider; it has been a training ground for discipline and business management. To ensure the success of this transition, the county government collaborated with Equity Bank and the Co-operative Bank of Kenya to provide essential support, including the following:
-
Formal Registration: Assisting groups in becoming legal entities.
-
Banking Access: Facilitating the opening of formal group bank accounts.
-
Financial Literacy: Training members on savings, long-term investment, and enterprise management.
During the event, Governor Barasa urged the beneficiaries to maintain high levels of transparency and financial discipline.
“These funds must be used responsibly. Invest in viable projects that will create a steady income for your members and your families,” the Governor stated.
Shifting to the political landscape, Dr Barasa called for maturity within the Kenya Kwanza coalition. He specifically cautioned UDA leaders against fuelling internal friction with ODM partners, emphasising that unity is the only way to ensure effective service delivery for the people of Kenya.
The empowerment model has attracted international interest, with Mr Nelson Kamoti, CEO of the Arlington Academy of Hope from Uganda, attending the ceremony on a benchmarking mission to study Kakamega’s youth and women empowerment structures.
The event was also attended by:
-
Hon. Modesta Auka (Area MCA) and various Members of the County Assembly.
-
CPA Jackline Masicha (CECM for Social Services).
-
Other senior county executive officials.
