Murkomen Reaffirms SME Push at Bomet Empowerment Drive

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has reaffirmed the government's commitment to empowering women, youth and small-scale traders, saying the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) remains central to improving livelihoods and boosting economic growth across the country.

Speaking during the G-20 Nyangores Ward Equalizer Groups Empowerment Initiative at Itembe Grounds in Bomet County on Saturday afternoon, Murkomen said the government would continue supporting grassroots economic initiatives through infrastructure development and policies that enable small businesses to thrive.

The CS praised the G-20 Nyangores Ward Equalizer Groups, an umbrella organisation bringing together 20 community groups with more than 1,830 registered members, for their role in driving socio-economic development at the grassroots.

He said such community-based organisations are vital partners in creating jobs, improving household incomes and strengthening local economies through collective action and entrepreneurship.

Murkomen noted that the government is investing heavily in roads, modern markets and other public amenities to create a conducive environment for businesses while rolling out policies aimed at supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

He emphasized that empowering women and young people economically remains a key pillar of the Kenya Kwanza administration's development agenda, adding that stronger community groups will help accelerate inclusive economic growth.

The empowerment event brought together several national and county leaders, including Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei, Bomet Woman Representative Linet Chepkorir, Chepalungu MP Victor Koech, Kericho Woman Representative Beatrice Kemei, Nominated Senator Joyce Korir, Teachers Service Commission Commissioner Wilson Sossion, Bomet County Commissioner Caroline Nzwili, Bomet County Police Commander Moses Nampayio, Members of the County Assembly and other local leaders.

The initiative is expected to strengthen community-based enterprises and expand economic opportunities for hundreds of families in Bomet County as the government continues to promote grassroots empowerment programmes across the country.