Nairobi: Makueni County, through the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Culture, has empowered several groups from 16 clusters in Mbitini Ward in an initiative aimed at uplifting their living standards. Among the social welfare groups that benefitted were 12 that each received tents and 100 plastic chairs, whereas 4 others got PA systems, mixers, generators and speakers respectively to help them in generating an income to combat poverty.

According to Kenya News Agency, during the event, 20-wheel chairs were also distributed to People with Disabilities (PWDs) who included the elderly and the young, who had been initially mapped out by the county government. Makueni County Deputy Governor (DG) Lucy Mulili presided over the series of events held in Mutyambua, Kwamutula, and Kithumani in Nzaui Sub County.

Addressing the beneficiaries, Mulili urged them to continue staying together and ensure the equipment was utilised properly to assist them in eking a living and fighting widespread poverty. ‘This is true empowerment – life-changing support that opens new doors. If the equipment is well utilised, many of you will earn a living and combat poverty,’ she said.

Speaking at the same event, the County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu lauded the Mbitini ward MCA Francis Munyao for listening to the voices of the people during their public participation exercise, saying this move is going to bring positive change in the area. On his part, the County Executive for Gender Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, called upon parents having children with disabilities to register them so that they can benefit from government programmes.