Kitui County Governor Dr Julius Malombe said his administration is keen to promote women welfare through implementation of initiatives and programmes that address challenges facing them. The governor further appreciated women for their role of working towards uplifting the livelihood of their respective families as well as their participation in numerous sectors of community development. Governor Dr Malombe made the remarks during a meeting with officials from the Association of Women in Agriculture Kenya (AWAK) and their sponsors Oxfam, held in his county headquarters office in Kitui town. AWAK National Executive Chairlady and founder Judy Matu said that the organization has been working in the county for the past three years with the aim of addressing current issues in the community. AWAK has initiated different projects aimed at capacity building of small scale women in agriculture and vulnerable mothers living in urban informal settlements to enable them to become informed decision makers and key industry players. ‘Our programmes are anchored on four key objectives in areas of food security and nutrition, climate action and climate Justice, Economic empowerment and advocacy,’ she said. The Organization has been working closely with the county department of Agriculture (extension services) and KEFRI to support adoption of agroforestry as part of their environmental restoration programme. The governor acknowledged AWAK’s contribution towards capacity building and resilience of women in the county thereby uplifting their livelihoods. ‘My administration is keen to promote women welfare and hence we are implementing programmes and initiatives that address them,’ said the county boss.
Source: Kenya News Agency