𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐒𝐀 𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝟏𝟒𝟎 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐏𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐊𝐒𝐇. 𝟕 𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐕𝐀.

H.E. Dr. Fernandes Barasa, FCPA, OGW, today disbursed KSh. 7 million in Social Protection Grants to 140 community groups across all seven wards of Malava Sub County at the ACC Office grounds in Kimang’eti. The Wards: Chemuche, East Kabras, West Kabras, Manda-Shivanga, Butali-Chegulo, South Kabras and Shirugu-Mugai; each received KSh. 1 million to support 20 groups, with beneficiaries comprising women, youth, persons with disabilities, widows and other vulnerable members of the community.

The disbursement brings the KSh. 60 million Social Protection Grants Programme closer to completion, with the programme supporting 1,200 groups across all 60 wards of Kakamega County. As the programme approaches its culmination, Governor Barasa noted its impact in strengthening livelihoods and creating opportunities for women, widows, youth and persons living with disabilities across the county.

Speaking during the event, Governor Barasa urged the beneficiary groups to utilise the funds responsibly by investing in sustainable income-generating activities that can strengthen their enterprises, increase household incomes and improve livelihoods. The KSh. 60 million countywide rollout will conclude in Ikolomani Sub County later this week.

Governor Barasa also highlighted key development projects being implemented across Malava in healthcare, water, roads, agriculture and education. These include the completed Musingu I and II bridges, Teresia Bridge and Chevose Bridge, as well as ECDE centres in Samitsi, Ingwe, Chevoso and Namanja. He also cited the Kuvasali Water Project and the ongoing completion of the Tumbeni Dairy Factory.

Governor Barasa pledged to ensure that ward-based development projects are completed by December this year, as his administration continues to expand access to essential services and deliver development across all wards of Kakamega County.

He was accompanied by Members of the County Assembly led by Butali Chegulo MCA Hon. Kevin Mahelo, members of the County Executive led by CECM for Social Services CPA Jackline Masicha, and other county and local leaders.