Garissa Woman representative Udgoon Siyad has urged fellow leaders to always strive to uplift the living standards of their electorates through empowerment programs.
She said that politics of tokenism and handouts had been overtaken with time reiterating the need to empower individuals and groups with tools of trade.
She spoke at the Garissa County offices when she launched the countywide NGAAF projects for 2023/2024.
Among the programs launched were car washing machines, bodabodas, items for beauty therapy and saloons, as well as desks and lockers for schools.
A total of 127 groups received Sh21 million.
“As you can see I am here to lead the exercise of giving out items that will enable these women and youth to work for themselves and earn something out of it, giving our youth Sh2,000 is putting them in more danger since all they will do with the small money is buy miraa and mogoka which as we are all aware has caused more harm than good to our community,” she said
“Instead of giving handouts, I prefer people working for themselves. As they say, it is good to make one learn how to fish for themselves as opposed to giving him or her the fish itself. That way you will have empowered that person in the long run so that they cater for their families."
She said that through her office she has been able to empower both women, the youth and people with disabilities through small and medium businesses by giving out cash as well as items in every financial year.
The woman representative said that the time has come for leaders from across to focus on empowering the youth.
Read here the full article published by The Star on 13 July 2024.
Image by The Star
