Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has embarked on a series of empowerment tours across the country, engaging with communities at the grassroots level to better understand their needs and align them with ongoing government programs. During his visit to Irunduni, Tharaka Nithi County, he emphasized that women are the true drivers of social and economic change, balancing caregiving roles with agricultural productivity and enterprise growth. His message highlighted the government’s commitment to empowering families by investing in agriculture, enterprise, and social transformation.
The Deputy President pointed out that government interventions such as subsidized fertilizer and certified seeds are particularly impactful to women, who form the majority of small-scale farmers. Additionally, the construction of fresh produce markets and support to nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises has helped rural women expand their businesses. These initiatives, he noted, are essential in creating sustainable livelihoods and boosting food security while fostering the growth of women-led enterprises.
In Laikipia County, Prof. Kindiki noted the tangible results of these policies. Women farmers and rural enterprises are now thriving in regions once plagued by insecurity caused by banditry. With improved security, coupled with investments in agricultural inputs and the establishment of fresh produce markets in Nanyuki, Nyahururu, Ilipolei, and other towns, communities are experiencing new opportunities to grow their incomes and strengthen household resilience.
The Deputy President also underscored the government’s broader development agenda in Laikipia. He highlighted the Universal Health Insurance Scheme, which has already registered 242,000 residents in the county, as a major step in securing the health and well-being of families. Moreover, the ongoing last-mile electrification program, connecting 4,000 additional households and business premises at a cost of KSh 720 million, is expected to uplift living standards and power rural enterprises, further empowering women and families across the region.
Engaging with 1,500 grassroots women opinion leaders in Laikipia, Prof. Kindiki called on them to continue upholding positive values in society, mentoring the youth, and praying for peace and stability in the nation. His tours reflect a people-centered approach to governance, where policies are informed by direct interaction with citizens. Through such grassroots engagements, the Deputy President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating opportunities that strengthen communities and secure a prosperous future for all.
