Women, youths and PWDs trained to tap into state tenders

 Hundreds of women, youth and people with disabilities in Nyeri county have been empowered through a comprehensive one-week training programme designed to unlock access to lucrative government tenders.

Facilitated by the Nyeri county government, the initiative focused on equipping participants with crucial knowledge about the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) programme—a national government effort launched in 2013 to uplift marginalised groups.

The AGPO plan mandates that at least 30 per cent of all government procurement opportunities be reserved for enterprises owned by youth, women, and persons with disabilities, creating a pathway for these groups to participate meaningfully in government contracts.

Governor Kahiga Mutahi said the beneficiaries hailed from all eight subcounties, with the training tailored to aspiring grassroots business owners and entrepreneurs.

“This training aligns perfectly with the AGPO mandate to reserve tenders for youth, persons with disabilities and women-owned businesses,” Kahiga said.

He noted, however, that many grassroots residents have historically missed out on the opportunities due to limited awareness. Delivered in sessions across the subcounties, the training aims to ignite new business ventures, foster growth and ultimately uplift the livelihoods of participants and their families.

“This programme is a gateway to unlocking fresh public-sector opportunities and personal economic growth,” the governor added.

Participants gained hands-on experience in registering under the AGPO programme and learned competitive bidding strategies. They were also trained in essential business skills, including business registration procedures, financial management, securing funding and harnessing ICT and digital technologies to streamline operations.

The governor emphasised that AGPO registration connects eligible businesses directly to procurement opportunities offered by both the national and county governments, opening doors to new markets and revenue streams.

Gender executive Esther Ndung’u said holding an AGPO certificate provides a distinct competitive advantage when applying for both general and reserved government tenders.

She stressed the importance of professionalism in fulfilling supply contracts and explained how tender success could facilitate access to credit from financial institutions.

“It’s vital to approach loans with discipline and purpose,” Ndung’u advised, recommending the 50:30:20 rule for managing income—allocating 50 per cent to needs, 30 per cent to wants, and 20 per cent to savings—to build financial stability.

Participants were also encouraged to proactively monitor tender advertisements and maintain up-to-date business documentation. “Register your business, secure your AGPO certificate and position yourself for success. Stay informed through the county website and consistently follow up on opportunities published by the national government,” Ndung’u said.

This initiative marks a significant step towards inclusive economic empowerment, ensuring that historically marginalised groups in Nyeri county are not only informed but also prepared to compete effectively for government contracts.

Instant analysis

Nyeri county’s one-week training initiative effectively empowers women, youth, and persons with disabilities by increasing their access to government tenders through the AGPO programme. By educating participants on registration, competitive bidding, financial management and digital skills, the plan addresses the key barriers to entry these marginalised groups face. Governor Kahiga and Gender executive Esther Ndung’u emphasized the importance of awareness, professionalism and financial discipline in maximising tender opportunities. This targeted approach not only promotes inclusivity and economic empowerment but also equips grassroots entrepreneurs with practical tools to sustainably grow their businesses, contributing to broader local development and improved livelihood.