Government has urged Maendeleo Ya Wanawake to partner with the State Department of Micro, Small and Medium Entreprises (MSMEs) to enhance the economic empowerment of women at the grassroots level.
Speaking during the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake National Executive Council Retreat, held in Sagana, to review the 2025-2029 strategic plan, Principal Secretary, State Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Susan Mang’eni, confirmed the government’s aspiration to work with Maendeleo Ya Wanawake to inform grassroots women of the various economic opportunities available and organise empowerment forums across the country.
Maendeleo Ya Wanawake boasts a membership of four million women organised in over 25,000 groups across the country.
The Principal Secretary outlined key priority value chains that women can take advantage of, including Leather, Dairy, Tea, Livestock, Edible Oil, construction, blue economy, and rice.
“From dairy to leather, blue economy to edible oil women must seize these value chains to build thriving businesses.” She remarked.
She further urged the women to take advantage of preferential opportunities to supply the Government (AGPO) and enjoy the various funding opportunities, including the Hustler fund.
“Women must take full advantage of Government supply opportunities under AGPO and funding platforms like the Hustler Fund to scale their businesses.” She urged.
The State Department of MSMEs committed to helping women grow their businesses, but also to empowering them to bring others along, mentor, employ, and amplify their impact which aligns with Maendeleo ya Wanawake’s first mandate of social and economic empowerment.
“We’re not just supporting women to grow their businesses, we’re empowering them to lead, mentor, and uplift others.”
Noted PS Mang’eni.
Further the PS noted that the Hustler Fund will provide insurance premium financing for beneficiaries to pay for the Social Health Authority (SHA) contributions adding that it will collateralise borrowers history to enable them access loans from commercial institutions.
On her part, the Chairperson of Maendeleo Ya Wanawake, Rahab Mwikali Muiu outlined the organisation’s plans to advance the economic empowerment of its members at the grassroots level, including Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Mbao Sacco, which was founded in 2022 as part of its 70th anniversary commemoration.
“With over four million members, Maendeleo Ya Wanawake has the reach and power to transform Kenya’s grassroots economy. Our Mbao Sacco is a bold step in driving economic independence for our members at the grassroots.” The Chairperson noted.
