Kimilili MP courts women voters with Sh1m boost

Bungoma County 2027 gubernatorial aspirant and Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has intensified his grassroots campaign with a strong focus on women empowerment, unveiling a Sh1 million donation to support women led groups in Siboti Ward, Bumula Constituency.

Speaking during a women empowerment forum on Monday, Barasa said the financial support was meant to cushion women against economic hardships while strengthening their capacity to run sustainable small businesses.

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The event, marked by songs, dances and testimonials from beneficiaries, underscored Barasa’s growing strategy to consolidate support among women voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Barasa noted that women remain the backbone of rural economies and deserve targeted financial and policy support to unlock their full potential.

“Our women are hardworking and resilient, but they often lack access to affordable capital. This support is meant to boost their businesses, expand their opportunities and uplift their families,” Barasa stated.

He added that empowerment initiatives would not be limited to a single ward, pledging to roll out similar programs across all nine constituencies in Bungoma County.

“This is just one of the empowerment forums I’m carrying out today. I will continue supporting women groups across the entire county because when women grow economically, the whole community benefits. I urge you to stand with me and support my gubernatorial bid so that we can scale up these programs to reach every corner of Bungoma,” he stated.

Also Barasa used the platform to rally residents to back his gubernatorial ambitions, emphasizing the need for cohesive leadership from the ward level to the county government.

He challenged locals to elect leaders who are development oriented and capable of working collaboratively to transform Bungoma.

“Leadership is about service and results. I urge you to elect ward representatives who are ready to work with me so that together we can take Bungoma to the next level of development,” Barasa pleaded.

The legislator, known for his outspoken political style, reiterated that his administration would prioritize inclusivity, accountability and equitable distribution of resources if elected governor.

Barasa also weighed in on national politics, calling on residents of the Western region to support and re-elect President William Ruto, arguing that the current administration has initiated key development projects in the region.

“The President has shown commitment to uplifting this region through infrastructure, economic programs and institutional support. We must reciprocate by supporting his leadership to ensure continuity of these projects,” he said.

He emphasized that aligning county leadership with the national government would accelerate development and enhance resource allocation to the region.

Further, Barasa highlighted several priority areas he intends to focus on if elected governor citing plans to establish public works offices in every sub-county to improve service delivery and enhance infrastructure development at the grassroots level.

Additionally, he pledged to upgrade and modernize vocational training centers (VTCs) to equip youth with practical skills aligned to the evolving job market.

Barasa also emphasized improving maternal healthcare services, noting that access to quality healthcare remains a major challenge in rural areas.

“I will invest in modern health facilities, ensure adequate staffing and provide essential equipment to improve maternal and child health outcomes,” he said.

Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) was also listed among his top priorities, with promises to improve infrastructure, hire qualified teachers and enhance learning materials.

The MP pointed to his track record in Kimilili Constituency as proof of his ability to deliver transformative projects.

“What I have done in Kimilili is just a glimpse of what is possible. If given the mandate to lead Bungoma County, I will replicate and even expand these developments across all constituencies,” Barasa affirmed.

Anastancia Mukoya, a beneficiary and a woman group leader lauded Barasa for what she described as timely intervention.

Mukoya explained that many women in the area rely on informal businesses such as poultry farming, vegetable vending and small retail shops which often struggle due to lack of capital.

She noted that the funds would enable groups to expand their enterprises, purchase stock in bulk and diversify income generating activities.

Mukoya further emphasized that beyond financial support, the initiative had restored hope among women who feel marginalized in economic decision making.

She added that structured group funding encourages accountability and collective growth, allowing members to support one another through savings and lending schemes.

“This support has come at the right time. Many of us have ideas and the will to work, but we lack the capital to grow. With this funding, we can expand our businesses and improve our families’ living standards,” she said.