Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Bensouda Osogo announced that over 225 women and youth groups in the county have received equipment valued at Sh9.3 million this year, with an additional Sh10 million allocated in the previous financial year. The donations, facilitated through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), include sewing machines, salon equipment, carwash machines, and mechanic tool boxes. Speaking at the second edition of Homa Bay county Juakali artisan day at Raila Odinga Stadium, Osogo highlighted her office’s investments in sports development, education, and infrastructure, including Sh20 million for the “Bensouda super cup 2026” and Sh44.1 million in bursaries for 6,900 students. She also noted the construction of modern markets in Ramba, Kabondo West Ward, and Ratanga, along with support for over 10,000 traders with worktops and equipment.
Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya emphasized the government’s commitment to SMEs during the event, citing over 20 million Kenyans employed in the sector. He outlined financial incentives such as the Uwezo Fund, Women Fund, and Youth Fund, as well as the construction of 400 modern markets nationwide. Oparanya also addressed concerns about the Dangote Oil refinery project in Lamu, urging citizens to reject opposition from “politicians hell-bent on driving away investors.” He reiterated the private sector’s role in job creation, citing the refinery’s potential to generate 60,000 jobs during construction. The CS praised Osogo’s efforts in mobilizing resources for SMEs and urged continued collaboration between government and local actors.
Osogo’s initiatives extend beyond equipment donations, including the drilling of boreholes in Homa Bay town and the distribution of 200 water tanks to schools, churches, and markets. Her office also supported 10,000 traders with improved market infrastructure, aiming to enhance livelihoods and business conditions. The event, attended by Public Communications Secretary Patricia Odeng and State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke, underscored the intersection of economic empowerment and community development. Osogo’s focus on skills development, market access, and technology transfer aligns with broader efforts to strengthen SMEs as a pillar of Kenya’s economy.
The ceremony also highlighted the political context of economic growth, with Oparanya stressing the importance of unity between the ODM and UDA parties to ensure a stable government post-2022 elections. He called for peace during the memorial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, framing the event as a moment to reaffirm collective progress. Meanwhile, Osogo’s projects reflect a localized approach to national development goals, addressing both immediate needs—such as clean water access—and long-term economic resilience. The combination of public funding, private sector engagement, and grassroots mobilization underscores a multifaceted strategy to uplift Homa Bay’s SMEs and broader community.