The Council of Governors has started programmes aimed at promoting peace between Nyamira and Kericho Counties.
Through the women empowerment programmes in the two counties, the initiative has come up at the time when the country is preparing for the general elections next year.
Deputy Governor Susan Kikwai further noted that the fact that both Nyamira and Kericho belong to the lake region economic block, there is need to live in harmony and the only way the communities can live in harmony is by empowering the women in the counties.
Kericho County Deputy Governor Susan Kikwai said the programme aims to preach peace across communities in the country and more so promote empowerment for the women across the country.
She spoke on Thursday at Matongo Lutheran Church where she was with Council of Governors CEO Jacqueline Mogeni.
“We had a women empowerment meeting but focusing more on peacebuilding because at any time whether we are going for elections or it is a normal time, we need safety, security and peace so that we can continue with business and women are integral to that,” she said.
The Council of Governors, Nyamira County and Kericho County are facilitating the programme where more than 200 women from the two neighbouring counties are taking part in the program.
Kikwai said 90 per cent of the labour in agriculture in the country is given by women and called for their support from the national government and the county governments in value addition to their products.
“Our women in the country need support in terms of value addition to their products so that they can move and develop our counties and promote peace as well,” she added.
“Without peace, it is not possible to do any other development and as women from Nyamira we encourage our colleagues from other communities so that we work together and ensure we promote cross-country trading business so that women can be able to grow their economy,” said Mogeni.
She further stated that the initiative will also be moved to Kilifi County to help in creating awareness of teenage pregnancies in the county.
By Alvin Ratemo
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