BY SHABAN OMAR
Deputy Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga has urged women engaged in small-scale businesses to formalize their operations by forming companies to take advantage of various government projects in Kwale County.
Chidzuga said that working under formal entities would enable women and other local entrepreneurs to participate in lucrative tenders and opportunities presented by ongoing and upcoming development initiatives such as Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone and the Shimoni Fishing Port.
She said with the launch of the Fish Port in the next two months would open doors to numerous business opportunities thus women should be ready.
The Shimoni Fish Port project is expected to boost the local economy by improving fish processing and export activities, creating employment, and increasing demand for goods and services in the area.
According to Chidzuga, it is a prime opportunity for women and youth to venture into business fields such as supply chain management, catering, logistics, and equipment provision.
“The fishing port will require various services and supplies. There will be tenders for different sectors, and we want to see women and local communities benefiting directly by positioning themselves as competitive suppliers,” she said.
She spoke during a women empowerment forum in Ukunda, Msambweni sub-county, Kwale County.
Chidzuga noted that the government has prioritized empowering local communities, particularly women, as part of its broader agenda to promote inclusivity and sustainable economic growth.
She further urged women to seek guidance on company registration processes, adding that working under formal entities increases eligibility for government contracts and funding opportunities.
“The government is keen on ensuring that development projects benefit the people at the grassroots. Forming companies is a significant step toward accessing these opportunities,” she said.
Chidzuga has encouraged women to embrace government-led empowerment programs designed to enhance livelihoods and promote socioeconomic growth.
She said the government is working on the Mama Kitchen Garden initiative which is a crucial project aimed at improving food security, cushioning vulnerable families, and boosting household incomes.
Chidzuga said that the Mama Kitchen Garden program is part of the government’s strategy to empower women and promote sustainable development at the grassroots.
“The program will not only help families grow their food but also open opportunities for women to engage in small-scale agribusiness. With cheap and high-quality fertilizers now available, there is no reason for women not to prosper,” she said.
She urged women to leverage the available resources to create productive kitchen gardens, noting that the government’s commitment to providing affordable inputs is aimed at supporting them in achieving economic independence.
Chidzuga further encouraged Kwale residents to register for the Social Health Authority (SHA) program, which offers access to quality and affordable healthcare services.
She addressed existing misconceptions about the program, urging residents to ignore misleading information.
She said the health program is working and has done wonders for many families urging people to demystify any rumors and take advantage of the life-changing opportunity.
Chidzuga said that the SHA program is designed to ensure that all citizens, especially the vulnerable, have access to reliable healthcare services.
She urged community leaders to create awareness about the program and help residents register to secure their health and well-being.
