Women

Women's groups are an important part of community life in Makueni, but support should go beyond providing one-off assistance. The focus should be on helping women turn their skills, groups and enterprises into sustainable sources of income.

The agenda will focus on strengthening women-led enterprises, improving access to productive assets and markets, and giving women the skills and connections they need to grow.

Support will be directed towards women-led enterprises, cooperatives and viable women's groups with the potential to create sustainable economic activity.

Where equipment or productive assets are the missing link, support can help groups acquire what they need to produce more, improve quality and generate income.

Makueni produces agricultural products with opportunities for greater value addition. Women should be able to participate not only in producing agricultural goods, but also in processing, packaging, branding and selling higher-value products.

The focus will be on connecting women to practical value-addition opportunities that can increase the value of what they already produce.

Enterprise support must be accompanied by knowledge. Women will have access to training in entrepreneurship, financial literacy and digital skills, helping them manage their businesses, understand their finances, use digital tools and make informed decisions as they grow.

Particular attention will also be given to women entering technology and emerging businesses, creating pathways beyond traditional income-generating activities.

Producing a good product is only part of building a sustainable business. Women also need access to customers and markets.

The agenda will therefore support market linkages for women-produced goods, helping viable enterprises connect with buyers, institutions, businesses and other market opportunities.