𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐒𝐀 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐘 𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍’𝐒 𝐃𝐀𝐘

H.E FCPA Fernandes Barasa joined women from across the county at Approved School Grounds in Lurambi Sub-County, in marking this year’s International Women’s Day, themed “Invest in Women, to Accelerate Progress.”

The County Government of Kakamega is at the forefront in advocating for women’s rights and empowering them.

In addressing the alarming cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the county, Governor Barasa commissioned a GBV center in Shinyalu at a cost of Ksh. 7.9 Million. The Chekalini GBV center in Lugari Sub-County will also be completed and operationalized this year.

To further protect women rights, Governor Barasa sponsored the County Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Control and Management Bill, 2023 awaiting his assent once passed by the honourable House.

In support of women’s economic empowerment, the County has allocated a grant of Ksh. 50,000 to approved women groups across the 60 Wards. This complements the Kazi Mashinani program, which has employed 3,000 youth and women, among other impactful initiatives.

The First Lady, who was also present at the event, encouraged women to advocate for their rights in various areas, including politics, governance, property inheritance, and employment opportunities.

Among those present were the spouse to the Deputy Governor Mama Hellen Savula, MCAs, County Commissioner Mr. Mwangi Meru, Partners and County Officials.