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Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has called on women and youth to take advantage of available loans under government empowerment schemes instead of staying idle at home.

“Do not sit at home doing nothing. Get into groups and register yourselves so that you can get loans from such funds, because it is difficult to get loans as individuals,” Ms Ndeti said.

She spoke during a Christian Women Association (CWA) event at Katoloni Catholic Church, where she explained that her administration was finalising legislation to operationalise the Wikwatyo Fund. 

The bill has already been tabled before the County Assembly and is now awaiting public participation.

According to the governor, the Wikwatyo Fund will provide structured financial support to women-led initiatives.

These will enable them to undertake larger projects beyond the smaller programmes the county has been running in partnership with development organisations, such as the donation of goats, chickens, and water tanks.

She also urged women to form church-based and community groups through which the government can channel assistance.

Machakos Diocese Catholic Bishop Norman King’oo described women as the backbone of families and called on leaders to support their economic empowerment.

“Women are a dependable lot in nation building and need to be supported,” Bishop King’oo said, urging them to form associations and engage actively in wealth creation.

Women across the diocese gathered at Katoloni to celebrate the Mass of St Monica, a key pillar of their faith.