Women groups in Embu to benefit from economic empowerment drive

Kenjava Mwaniki Wakagoto addressing crowds after handing over tents to 100 groups in Embu County/HANDOUT

More than 100 women groups in Embu County are set to benefit from a wide-ranging economic empowerment programme aimed at strengthening grassroots enterprises and boosting household incomes across the region.

The initiative, spearheaded through the Wakagoto Foundation, is targeting women-led agribusinesses, which account for a significant share of Embu County’s economic activities.

By supporting farming, trade and value addition at the community level, the programme seeks to enhance financial independence among women while stimulating local economic growth.

Already, several women groups in Gaturi South Ward, Manyatta Sub-county, have received tents and avocado seedlings, key resources that are helping them formalise their operations and expand their farming ventures.

The tents are expected to support group activities such as meetings, product displays and small-scale trading, while the avocado seedlings will strengthen participation in one of Embu’s fastest-growing agribusiness sectors.

The support has translated into increased productivity and improved household incomes for beneficiaries, many of whom rely on farming as their primary source of livelihood.

By equipping women with practical resources, the foundation aims to reduce vulnerability and build resilience among families in rural areas.

Beyond economic empowerment, the programme is part of a broader community intervention that has touched thousands of households.

More than  20,000 families across the county benefited from Christmas support, providing relief at a time when many Kenyans continue to grapple with rising living costs.

Infrastructure development has also featured prominently in the initiative.

To unlock markets and improve trade, the Wakagoto Foundation commissioned the rehabilitation of Dubai–Kagumori–Karingari Road, a key transport link expected to ease the movement of farm produce and open up economic opportunities across Gaturi South Ward.

Improved road access is projected to reduce post-harvest losses, cut transport costs and enhance market connectivity for farmers and traders.

The empowerment drive is anchored in the Embu Industrial Revolution – Vision 2035, a long-term development blueprint spearheaded by entrepreneur Kenjava Mwaniki Wakagoto.

The vision seeks to establish more than 100 industries in Embu County, each projected to employ at least 500 young people, positioning the county as a future industrial hub.

“Our people are industrious farmers and they must get value for their proceeds. I have a ready market for milk and avocado so that our purchasing power can increase,” Wakagoto noted.

He added that industrialisation remains central to addressing unemployment among the youth.

“Our vision is to support our youth to employment through industrialisation in Embu.”

Women’s empowerment remains a central pillar of the programme, reflecting its critical role in advancing gender equality and driving sustainable development.

Empowered women gain greater control over their lives, improve their well-being, and strengthen their families and communities.

Historically, Kenyan women have been marginalised and confined to traditional gender roles by deeply entrenched patriarchal structures. While national policies and laws promote gender equality, implementation at the grassroots level continues to face challenges.

In Embu County, various empowerment programmes—driven by both government and non-governmental actors—are focusing on skills development, entrepreneurship and financial support for women, youth and persons with disabilities.