Leaders Call for Increased Support for Self-Help Groups to Boost Businesses and Create Jobs in Elgeyo-Marakwet

By Hesborn Kiplagat 

Leaders have called for increased financial and economic support for self-help groups to enable them to expand their businesses, create employment opportunities and improve the livelihoods of local communities.

The call was made during an economic empowerment exercise held at Kamoi Market in Sengwer Ward, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, where residents were encouraged to embrace teamwork, pool resources and invest in income-generating activities.

The countywide empowerment initiative is spearheaded by Elgeyo-Marakwet Woman Representative Hon. Caroline Ng’elechei in partnership with the OKM Foundation.

The programme seeks to strengthen community-based enterprises by supporting self-help groups, which play a critical role in promoting entrepreneurship, generating income and improving household livelihoods.

Speaking during the event, Ng’elechei emphasised the importance of collective responsibility, noting that communities have a long-standing tradition of coming together, pooling resources and supporting one another to establish and grow businesses.

She observed that empowering self-help groups would give members an opportunity to expand their enterprises, increase household incomes and contribute to economic growth at the grassroots level.

Residents were also briefed on various government development projects currently being implemented in the area.

The projects cover key sectors, including security, affordable housing, education, road infrastructure, environmental conservation and healthcare.

These sectors are considered essential in improving public service delivery, creating economic opportunities and promoting sustainable development across the county.

The initiative underscores the importance of collaboration between leaders, development organisations and local communities in promoting economic empowerment, strengthening small businesses and improving the living standards of residents of Elgeyo-Marakwet County.