Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani has led a series of empowerment programs targeting the Thabiti Women Group, Marigiza Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), and the Shirazi Network in a continuous bid to economically uplift rural communities across Kwale.
Under the Achani administration, the Kwale County Government has supported and boosted more than 6,000 VSLAs across the county. This extensive support network has given thousands of women independent control over financial resources and a stronger voice in both household and community decision-making.
Shifting from Table Banking to Corporate Tenders
Governor Achani has introduced a major economic empowerment initiative aimed at transitioning informal VSLAs into formally registered limited companies. This strategic shift is designed to elevate grassroots, informal saving groups away from basic table banking and position them to compete for high-value public and private sector procurement.
Speaking across three separate functions, Governor Achani encouraged women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to maintain a strong culture of saving to secure their future and build resilience against unexpected economic challenges.
However, the County Boss strongly urged the VSLAs to upgrade into registered limited companies to unlock government business.
“My administration has so far awarded county tenders across all devolved sectors to over 300 limited companies led by women, youth, and PWDs. I can say for sure that the economic transformation is visible in Kwale,” Governor Achani stated.
Grassroots Leaders Applaud the Initiative
Community representatives Mwanasiti Kisoda (Thabiti Women Group), Saumu Omari (Marigiza VSLA), and Nasifa Boi (Shirazi Network) highly commended the Achani administration. They praised the county’s aggressive support for the formation and legal registration of grassroots enterprises, noting that many have already successfully secured government contracts for infrastructure development, supplies, and community services.
