Kisumu County Woman Representative Ruth Adhiambo Odinga has launched a series of multimillion-shilling empowerment projects in Seme, targeting marginalized groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony on Friday, Ruth underscored her commitment to sustainable, community-driven development. She emphasized the urgent need to eradicate the exploitative “fish for sex” practice along Lake Victoria’s shores by providing economic alternatives.
“We must empower our women economically to end exploitation in the fishing industry,” she asserted.
In a bold move to uplift women in the fishing sector, Ruth donated three modern engine boats to women’s groups in Seme, Nyakach, and Nyando sub-counties. She said the initiative would enhance their fishing businesses, ensuring financial stability and restoring their dignity.
The county projects, funded under the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), also include the provision of tricycle wheelchairs for PWDs, seed capital for women’s groups, bursaries and scholarships for bright but needy vocational students, and agricultural value chain support.
Ruth reaffirmed her office’s commitment to equipping and training individuals to ensure no one is left behind in the county’s development agenda.
National Government Affirmative Action Fund CEO Roy Sasaka Telewa lauded Ruth’s prudent use of public resources, citing her transparency and impact in empowering marginalized groups.
“Her commitment to sustainable programs is commendable. I urge other county women representatives to focus on economic empowerment initiatives,” said Telewa.
Kisumu Central MP Dr. Joshua Oron, who attended the event, praised Ruth’s grassroots focus, calling for unity among local leaders ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial succession race.
“Ruth’s emphasis on grassroots development sets a benchmark for sustainable progress. As we approach 2027, we must unite to foster economic growth,” he stated.
Seme MP Dr. James Nyikal encouraged fish farmers to adopt modern techniques like cage fishing and value addition to enhance productivity and profitability.
“Innovation in fishing and agriculture will create steady incomes and boost economic resilience,” he noted.
The event, attended by leaders and stakeholders from Kisumu’s seven sub-counties, also marked the countdown to the launch of the ‘Shield Sacco (Okumbawa)’ in May 2025—a financial institution aimed at providing loans to marginalized groups.
