By Alloys Musyoka
President William Ruto lauded Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani for her exemplary leadership saying that his administration is at the forefront in supporting women leadership.
Ruto said that Kenyans are now assured that women can take up leadership positions from examples of governor Achani being the first Muslim woman to be elected as a governor.
Achani is among 7 women governors in the country who managed to beat all odds of tradition and cultural belief amongst tribes to get elected.
In the Coastal region Achani is the only woman who got elected with culture and tradition as well as religion being among others stumbling blocks to women ascending to leadership.
While addressing during the Mashujaa day celebration in Kwale, Ruto said that “If there was any doubt that a Muslim governor can be elected we have done away with that notion now. We can now confirm without a doubt that women leadership have a firm place in the republic of Kenya,”.
The president hailed Kenya Defence force Lieutenant Colonel Faith Mwangangi for leading the guard of honor at the Mashujaa event very well.
Governor Fatuma Achani said in her leadership she has managed to register over 200 companies for women and youths in order to empower them with already 30 companies getting county and national government tenders.
She said that her leadership is about empowering women and youth economically through government programs.
On the issue of affordable houses Achani said that her administration has donated 50 acres of land adding that the project is creating employment opportunities in the area.
President William further lauded the affordable housing project saying that it is meant to address issues of millions Kenyans without houses as well as creating employment and ensuring that every citizen owns a house.
Citing the successful Boma Yangu week event that preceded the Mashujaa celebration, the president took stock of the project saying that his administration’s target was to deliver 200,000 homes annually to Kenyans.
By doing so, he said that they will be able to meet the growing global demand for housing.
Ruto said that the future which will be urban is estimated that 60 percent of the population will be living in urban areas adding that plans should be made to ensure they live in decent areas.
Already, he said that about 124,000 housing units in different stages in 75 sites in 37 counties are being put up.
In Kwale for example he said an affordable project is underway creating employment to over 200 workers in Matuga constituency as well as White house project in Diani.
The president noted that 547,00 have registered for the housing projects while 52,000 have saved over Sh2.3 billion towards home ownership in the country.
