COUNTY SIGNS MOU WITH STANBIC TO SUPPORT WOMEN ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the county government of Kakamega, Stanbic bank and the Stanbic Foundation will play a critical role in strengthening grassroots economic growth in the county towards advancement of women economic empowerment through the transformative Dada Mashinani initiative.

The agreement was formalized on Wednesday in a ceremony presided over by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade, Industrialization and Tourism Mr. Godfrey Owori, who reaffirmed the county’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive business environment for women entrepreneurs which is in line with Governor Barasa’s wealth creation agenda.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Owori highlighted the importance of empowering women at the grassroots level, noting that they form the backbone of the local economy. He emphasized that the Dada Mashinani program is designed to unlock the untapped potential of women-led enterprises by equipping them with essential business skills, financial literacy, and access to affordable credit.

“This partnership is a clear demonstration of our shared vision to uplift women economically and enhance their participation in trade and enterprise. By investing in women, we are investing in families, communities, and the overall economic growth of Kakamega County,” he stated.

Representatives from Stanbic Bank and the Stanbic Foundation led by Ms.Mercy Githanji reiterated their commitment to supporting sustainable livelihoods through strategic partnerships. They revealed that, through ongoing initiatives, over 3,500 women entrepreneurs across Kakamega County have already benefited from business training programs tailored to enhance their entrepreneurial capacity. Additionally, the partners have disbursed more than KSh 1 million in soft loans, enabling women to start, sustain, and expand their businesses.

The Dada Mashinani initiative seeks to scale up these efforts by reaching even more women, particularly those in rural and underserved areas. The program will continue to provide accessible financing options, mentorship and capacity-building opportunities to help women formalize and grow their enterprises.

County officials expressed optimism that the collaboration will not only improve household incomes but also stimulate local economic development by fostering a vibrant and resilient network of women-led businesses.

Present at the signing were Deputy County Secretary CPA Samson Otieno, County Attorney CS Vivianne Mmbaka and Director Trade Enterprises Ms. Deborah Munyekenye.