Kihika Distributes Equipment Worth Sh127M In Economic Empowerment Drive

By Our Correspondent

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has distributed business startup equipment worth Sh127 million to 1,257 groups across the county’s 42 wards to help residents establish and expand enterprises, create jobs and improve their incomes.

The equipment, which includes sewing machines, incubators, tents, chairs, washing machines, boda boda motorcycles and welding tools, is expected to benefit thousands of residents engaged in various economic activities.

Speaking during the distribution ceremony at ATC Soilo, Kihika said the initiative was aimed at addressing the high cost of starting businesses, which often prevents young people and other residents from turning their skills into sustainable sources of income.

“Our youth are an important part of Nakuru’s growth today. What they need is an opportunity, the right support and the resources to build a better future for themselves and their families,” she said.

The governor said the equipment would support enterprises in sectors including catering, event management, poultry farming, tailoring, hairdressing, barbering, car washing, welding, plumbing and electrical work.

She added that the county had allocated Sh383 million for the empowerment of 3,000 youth groups during the current financial year, in a broader effort to promote entrepreneurship and expand employment opportunities.

“As a county, we want to empower our people so that they can open their businesses or expand what they already have, because it will create a ripple effect in the communities,” Kihika said.

The county government is also seeking to improve access to affordable credit through the Sh100 million Wezesha Fund, which is intended to support enterprises and cooperatives.

Kihika said the financing initiative would help address the challenges faced by small business owners and groups seeking capital to start or grow their ventures.

She also announced plans to support the boda boda sector through improved loan arrangements, saying affordable financing would help operators overcome difficulties associated with accessing commercial loans.

The governor urged beneficiaries to use the equipment responsibly and ensure it generated income for their groups rather than leaving the items idle.

“I know most of you have desired to have these kinds of equipment and machines so that you can run your businesses well. I want to urge you to put them to good use,” she said.

Kihika also highlighted investments in youth skills development, including Youth Empowerment Centres in Bondeni and Naivasha, which offer opportunities for young people to develop practical skills in areas such as music, fashion, tailoring and technology.

She said the facilities were intended to ensure young people could pursue their ambitions without being held back by a lack of resources.

On education, Kihika reported that the county had awarded bursaries worth Sh18,566,373 to 2,140 students in Nakuru Town West and Sh14,114,500 to 2,613 students in Nakuru Town East.

She further announced plans to introduce free school uniforms for all public early childhood development education (ECDE) learners from January 2027, in addition to the county’s existing school feeding program.

The governor said the combined investments in business equipment, affordable financing, skills development and education were intended to expand economic opportunities and improve household livelihoods across Nakuru County.