The national government, through the Office of the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr Raymond Omollo, has intensified its grassroots economic empowerment programme in Kisumu County, with at least 70 women traders in Nyakach Sub-county receiving business support under the Inua Mama Chapati Initiative.
The beneficiaries, who operate businesses at Urudi Market, were supplied with wheat flour, cooking oil and business management training in a programme aimed at strengthening women-led enterprises, increasing household incomes and improving livelihoods across the Nyanza region.
Speaking during the initiative on Wednesday, trader Peres Otieno lauded Dr Omollo for what she described as his consistent support for women at the grassroots.
She said the beneficiaries appreciated the government’s intervention, adding that the programme had strengthened their confidence in President William Ruto’s administration.
“I am happy with PS Raymond Omollo. As women, we are grateful for this initiative. Our President, thank you for remembering us. We will support your second-term bid,” said Otieno.
Another beneficiary, Akoth Awino, who operates a food kiosk at Urudi Market, said the donation of wheat flour and cooking oil would significantly ease the cost of doing business.
She described the initiative as a game changer for small-scale traders struggling with the rising cost of essential commodities.
“We have received wheat flour and cooking oil, and this support will go a long way in improving our businesses. It will help us serve more customers and increase our earnings,” she said.
Trader Anne Atieno also praised the programme, saying it was the first time leaders had visited the market to support small-scale entrepreneurs directly.
According to Atieno, the business training offered alongside the donations would equip traders with skills to better manage and expand their enterprises.
“This has never happened before. No leader has ever come here with shopping and business support for us. The training will help us manage our businesses better. I have voted in every election, but I have never benefited from such government support until now,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of Dr Omollo’s grassroots empowerment team, Peterlis Odeyo said the Inua Mama Chapati Initiative seeks to economically transform women and small business owners across Nyanza.
He noted that the programme is part of broader efforts championed by the Interior Principal Secretary to uplift vulnerable households through economic empowerment initiatives.
Odeyo said Dr Omollo has consistently supported women-led businesses and vulnerable families, including constructing houses for widows, as part of efforts to improve livelihoods and promote inclusive development at the grassroots.
