This archive report was first published on 29 November 2019.
On November 29, 2019, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta emphasized the need for women to pool their resources and consolidate their financial strength, citing table banking as a key initiative to achieve this goal.
Speaking at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, Nairobi County, during the 10th anniversary celebrations of Joyful Women, a non-governmental organization founded by Deputy President William Ruto's spouse, Mrs Rachel Ruto, the First Lady commended the organization's efforts to empower Kenyan women economically.
‘We need more initiatives like JOYWO that will offer women financial options that will unlock their potential and provide the necessary support they require to become active citizens, contributing to the development of their communities and our country at large,’ the First Lady said.
Since its inception in 2009, Joyful Women has grown to have a membership of over 200,000 women drawn from all 47 counties, with over 6,000 table banking groups and a revolving fund estimated at Shs 3.5 billion.
Deputy President Dr William Ruto and Mrs Oludolapo Osinbajo, the spouse of the Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, also attended the celebration, with the Deputy President commending Joyful Women for complementing government's efforts to fight poverty through women empowerment.
‘Economic empowerment of women at the grassroots enables them to take their rightful place in our economy, in our social lives and the transformation of Kenya,’ the Deputy President said.
