Govt Seeks Out Partnership With 4 Million Women

Maendeleo Ya Wanawake boasts a membership of 4 million women organised in over 25,000 groups across the country.

Viral Tea Ke Writer Viral Tea Ke Writer
May 28, 2025 - 13:17 Updated: May 28, 2025 - 13:21
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Govt Seeks Out Partnership With 4 Million Women
MSMEs Principal Secretary Susan Mang'eni speaking during the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake National Executive Council Retreat, held in Sagana, Kirinyaga County on May 28, 2025. /PHOTO

Susan Mang’eni, Principal Secretary, State Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), has urged Maendeleo Ya Wanawake to work with the government to enhance the economic empowerment of women at the grassroots level. 

She was speaking during the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake National Executive Council Retreat, held in Sagana, to review their 2025 -2029 strategic plan. Maendeleo Ya Wanawake boasts a membership of 4 million women organised in over 25,000 groups across the country. 

The PS confirmed the State Department’s aspiration to work with Maendeleo Ya Wanawake to inform grassroots women of the various economic opportunities available and organise empowerment forums across the country. 

Further, she outlined key priority value chains that women can take advantage of, including Leather, Dairy, Tea, Livestock, Edible Oil, construction, blue economy, and rice.

MSMEs Principal Secretary Susan Mang'eni speaking during the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake National Executive Council Retreat, held in Sagana, Kirinyaga County on May 28, 2025. /PHOTO

PS Mang'eni urged the women to take advantage of preferential opportunities to supply the Government (AGPO) and enjoy the various funding opportunities, including the Hustler fund.

“The Hustler Fund will provide insurance premium financing to help beneficiaries pay their Social Health Authority (SHA) contributions, and will also collateralise borrowers' repayment history to unlock access to loans from commercial institutions," she remarked.

Rahab Mwikali Muiu, the Chairperson of Maendeleo Ya Wanawake, outlined the organisation’s plans to advance the economic empowerment of its members at the grassroots level, including Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Mbao Sacco, which was founded in 2022 as part of its 70th anniversary commemoration.

The State Department of MSMEs is committed to helping women grow their businesses, but also to empowering them to bring others along, mentor, employ, and amplify their impact. This aligns with Maendeleo ya Wanawake’s first mandate of social and economic empowerment.

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