KAKAMEGA HOSTS 2021 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATIONS

It was pomp and splendor as stakeholders converged at the Bukhungu International Stadium, Kakamega, to mark this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations in recognition of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women globally.

The theme of this year’s celebrations was “Women in leadership: achieving an equal future in a Covid-19 world” in line with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Kakamega County Secretary and Head of Public Service Madam Jacinta Aluoch Odhiambo who conveyed H.E the Governor’s message on the important occasion thanked the County boss for creating space for women in leadership in Kakamega County urging the female gender across the world to aggressively compete for the available opportunities.

“Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, I would like you to take advantage of the opportunities provided by our county and other stakeholders to grow and empower yourselves. Remember to cast your nets wide internationally as the market out there remains available for all the women who stay committed and focused,” she challenged the women.

The County Secretary reminded the women and farmers in the county to visit offices of their Ward Administrators for subsided maize seeds and fertilizers for both planting and top dressing in order to continue suppressing the effects of hunger in Kakamega County and the entire Kenyan nation.

Kakamega County Women Representative Hon. Elsie Muhanda who was the Chief Guest reminded women that they are the backbone of the society and advised them to seek for aid from financial institutions such as Women Enterprise Fund to achieve economic independence.

“We need to demistify the notion that women are disadvantaged because of their gender,” she asserted.

The County MP also issued free packets of maize seeds to all the participants. She urged the beneficiaries to maximize on the rains being experienced in the County and plant the seeds for better harvests.

Deputy County Commissioner of Kakamega Central Mr. Ngalia Ndaya who represented Kakamega County Commissioner Madam Pauline Dola urged the participants to end the vices affecting women in the community such as political violence, defilement, verbal abuse and gender based violence among others.

Individuals, partners and organizations that proved brave in service delivery to wananchi amid the effects of Civid-19 we fetted with certificates.

In attendance were Members of County Assembly Women Caucus led by their Treasurer Hon Christine Omusula, Chairperson County Public Service Board CS Catherine Omweno, CECMs; Madam Rodah Masaviru (PSA) and CPA Geoffrey Omulayi (Roads), Chief Officers CPA John Imbogo (Social Services) and Dr Phitalis Masakhwe (Service Delivery), Dr. Irene Ashioya (Education), Director State Department of Gender Mr. Aggrey Wafula, Lurambi Sub-County Administrator Mr. Juma Omwendo with his Ward Adminstrator Mr. Wanda Wamalwa and several CAAs, Partners and representatives of various organizations from across the Country.