Shollei Rolls Out Landmark Empowerment Programme, Distributes 5,900 Chicks and Over KSh 5.8 Million to Grassroots Groups in Uasin Gishu

By Wasike Elvis 

Uasin Gishu County Women Representative Gladys Boss Shollei on Wednesday spearheaded a far-reaching economic empowerment initiative that brought together community groups, local leaders, education stakeholders and government officials in a major boost to livelihoods across the county.

The event, held in Moiben and Ainabkoi Sub-Counties, was graced by Hon. Jonathan Mueke, CBS – Principal Secretary, State Department for Livestock Development, who joined Shollei in distributing 5,900 day-old chicks to 59 organised groups comprising women, youth and persons living with disabilities (PWDs).

Shollei said the poultry project is designed to promote agribusiness at the grassroots while ensuring that vulnerable groups have sustainable income-generating activities. She noted that the programme has already transformed many households in other parts of the county, and the expansion into Moiben and Ainabkoi marks another milestone in the county’s poultry value-chain development.

“This initiative supports economic resilience, enhances nutrition, and empowers families to become active contributors to our county’s growth,” Shollei said. “We are keen on ensuring no group is left behind as we build a stronger, more self-reliant Uasin Gishu.”

PS Mueke commended the Women Representative’s efforts, praising the structured coordination between NGAAF and the State Department for Livestock Development. He encouraged beneficiaries to embrace modern poultry management practices to maximise productivity and expand opportunities in the livestock sector.

In addition to the livestock support, Shollei presided over the disbursement of KSh 1.82 million to women and youth groups in Moiben Sub-County and a further KSh 1.68 million in Ainabkoi Sub-County under the Women Economic Empowerment and Value Addition Fund. The funds, channelled through NGAAF, are earmarked for boosting small enterprises, value addition projects, and start-ups that promote job creation at the grassroots.

Shollei highlighted that the funds will help strengthen cooperatives, expand small-scale agribusiness activities, and foster entrepreneurship among marginalised groups.

“These resources are meant to uplift communities, stimulate local economies, and ensure our women and youth have practical tools to transform their lives,” she said.

A key highlight of the event was the launch of KSh 2.38 million worth of bursaries and scholarships, targeting needy and academically promising students from the two sub-counties. The bursaries are aimed at ensuring that learners from economically disadvantaged backgrounds remain in school without disruption.

Shollei emphasized that education remains a central pillar of her development agenda in Uasin Gishu and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting learners at all levels.

“We cannot talk about empowerment without securing the future of our young people. These scholarships and bursaries ensure that no child’s dreams are cut short due to lack of school fees,” she noted.

Parents, teachers, community leaders, and beneficiaries who attended the event lauded the Women Representative for her consistency in championing grassroots empowerment. Many expressed optimism that the new programmes will stimulate economic activity, reduce poverty levels, and uplift families across the county.

Shollei concluded by urging beneficiaries to use the funds and livestock support responsibly, assuring them of continuous monitoring, mentorship, and training to ensure long-term sustainability. She also pledged to expand similar initiatives to other sub-counties in the coming months.

“Our work has just begun. We will continue to strengthen livelihoods, support education, and build value chains that benefit every resident of Uasin Gishu,” she affirmed.