Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has taken a bold step to boost economic empowerment by directing all 10 county departments to award development contracts exclusively to companies owned by women and youth. This pioneering move covers vital sectors such as health, agriculture, education, social services, and roads, aiming to tackle unemployment and reduce poverty throughout Kwale County.
Under this initiative, projects like construction of dispensaries and Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centers, expansion of water pipelines, and urban sanitation improvements in key areas including Diani, Kwale, Kinango, and Lunga Lunga are being implemented by local women- and youth-led companies.
Governor Achani revealed that over 300 companies owned by women and youth have been registered with the county government, with 105 already awarded contracts. These contracts cover a variety of projects including water borehole drilling and supply of government equipment. “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,” Achani stated. “I’m thankful that the majority of these projects are now being executed by local firms.”
The governor emphasized that empowering local companies has created hundreds of employment opportunities, especially for women and youth, fostering economic independence. “The county can’t hire everyone, so we must embrace alternative economic models to create opportunities,” she said.
Among the beneficiaries are Samburu-Chengoni Women Company in Samburu Ward, Khairat Women Limited Company in Mackinnon, Waridi Young Mothers Limited Company in Ndavaya, Tunusuru Women Company in Ramisi, and Wyzata FC in Msambweni Sub-county.
Riziki Mwasoza, County Chief Officer for Social Services and Talent Management, noted that climate change has disrupted traditional livelihoods, pushing many into informal jobs. “Through tenders, we’re helping mothers move beyond traditional domestic roles,” Mwasoza added.
Success stories from companies like Pamvan Women Investment Company, which secured a KSh 1.4 million contract to supply food to the Kombani Drug Rehabilitation Centre, demonstrate the initiative’s impact. “Today, we’re making over a million from a single tender,” said Sale Makata.
Governor Achani urges more women, youth, and persons with disabilities to register companies to tap into public and private sector opportunities, strengthening the county’s socio-economic development.
