Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has awarded tenders worth Ksh 50 million to women groups as part of the county’s efforts to promote gender equality and economic empowerment. The announcement was made during International Women’s Day celebrations at Kinango Baraza Park, where thousands gathered to mark the day under the theme Accelerating Action for Gender Equality.
Governor Achani emphasized the importance of empowering women economically, stating that financial independence would help them tackle challenges such as gender-based violence. “By building women’s capacity, you build an entire society,” she said.
Since taking office in August 2022, Achani’s administration has encouraged women’s groups in Kwale to transition into limited companies, enabling them to secure business opportunities with both the government and the private sector. As a result, over 200 women’s groups have transformed into limited companies, with 100 of them successfully securing tenders from the county government.
During the event, Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo and Kwale Woman Representative Fatuma Masito urged women to follow Governor Achani’s example in advocating for women’s rights. They also encouraged more women to seek elective positions in the upcoming elections to bridge the gender gap in leadership.
One of the beneficiaries, Meswalehe Abdallah from Kudzecha Group, expressed gratitude to Governor Achani’s administration for the economic opportunities. “Our lives have changed because of these tenders. We are paid on time once we complete our tasks,” she said.
The tenders awarded to women groups cover essential services such as cleaning municipalities—including Diani, Lunga Lunga, Kwale Town, and Kinango—along with building and construction projects. Among the women-led companies that secured tenders are Yawezekana Ventures, Chongomundu Suppliers, Sambamba Malungoni, Tuko Mbele Investment, Dzimanya Enterprise, Chigato Visionary, and Bofu Muungano.
Governor Achani called upon more women and youth to register their groups as companies, ensuring they benefit from similar economic opportunities in the future. The initiative marks a significant step toward economic empowerment and gender equality in Kwale County.
