Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has directed all 10 county departments to exclusively award development project contracts to companies owned by women and youth, in a bold effort to reduce unemployment and combat poverty across the county.
The initiative targets major devolved sectors such as health, agriculture, education, social services, and infrastructure. Projects currently underway include the construction of dispensaries and Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centers, expansion of water pipelines, and urban sanitation improvements in Diani, Kwale, Kinango, and Lunga Lunga.
Governor Achani announced that over 300 women- and youth-led firms have registered with the county, with 105 already securing tenders for projects like borehole drilling and equipment supply. “We have been building ECDE centers, dispensaries, roads, among other projects across the county, and that’s why we encouraged women and youth to form companies,” she said. “The majority of these projects are now being executed by local firms.”
She stressed that empowering local businesses is creating much-needed jobs. “The county can’t hire everyone, so we must embrace alternative economic models to create opportunities,” she added.
Several local firms have already reaped the benefits, including Samburu-Chengoni Women Company, Khairat Women Limited in Mackinnon, Waridi Young Mothers Limited in Ndavaya, Tunusuru Women Company in Ramisi, and Wyzata FC in Msambweni.
Riziki Mwasoza, Chief Officer for Social Services and Talent Management, noted that climate change has disrupted traditional livelihoods like farming, fishing, and tourism. “Women and youth have become economically vulnerable. These tenders offer a pathway out of poverty,” she said.
Pamvan Women Investment Company, based in Vanga, Lunga Lunga Sub-county, is a testament to the program’s success. Founders Sale Makata and Sophia Mohammed earned KSh 1.4 million through a food supply contract for the Kombani Drug Rehabilitation Centre. “We used to save all year and earn very little. Now, we’ve made over a million from just one tender,” said Makata.
Hussein Chigulu from Mackinnon Road Community-Based Organization also praised the initiative, highlighting his group’s water pipeline extension project in Vinyunduni. “We are now earning and educating our children,” he said.
Governor Achani urged more women, youth, and persons with disabilities to register businesses to access both public and private tenders, reinforcing her administration’s commitment to inclusive economic growth.
Written By Rodney Mbua
