ELGEYO-MARAKWET, Kenya — Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has defended government-backed empowerment programmes, saying they remain a key pillar of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) aimed at improving livelihoods at the grassroots.
Speaking during an empowerment drive for self-help groups at Kaptilol Grounds in Kaptarakwa Ward, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Murkomen said the government would continue supporting community-based organisations because of their role in expanding economic opportunities and accelerating local development.
“We will continue supporting these self-help groups because they align perfectly with our bottom-up economic model,” Murkomen said.
Support for Farmers and Community Groups
The empowerment event, organised by Elgeyo-Marakwet Woman Representative Caroline Ng’elechei, saw local farmers receive agricultural inputs intended to boost productivity.
Murkomen said the initiative complements government programmes designed to increase household incomes by supporting farmers, small businesses and community groups.
“Kaptarakwa is a rich agricultural area with great potential for more productivity. Today, farmers in the area benefited from farm inputs courtesy of the empowerment initiative,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary maintained that empowering grassroots groups is essential to achieving inclusive economic growth and improving living standards across the country.
Updates on Development Projects
Murkomen also briefed residents on the status of ongoing national government projects in Elgeyo-Marakwet, saying investments are being implemented across key sectors, including security, housing, education, road infrastructure, environmental conservation and healthcare.
He said the projects are intended to enhance service delivery and stimulate socio-economic development in the county.
The event was attended by Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, Senator William Kisang, Woman Representative Caroline Ng’elechei, Keiyo South MP Dr Gideon Kimaiyo, County Commissioner David Kosgei, County Police Commander Peter Mulinge and several Members of the County Assembly led by Kaptarakwa MCA Mathew Cheruiyot.