Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Urged to Partner with the State Department to Empower Women Economically
Hon. Susan Mang’eni, Principal Secretary, State Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), has urged Maendeleo Ya Wanawake to work with the Government to enhance the economic empowerment of women at the grassroots level. She was speaking during the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake National Executive Council Retreat, held in Sagana, to review their 2025 -2029 strategic plan. Maendeleo Ya Wanawake boasts a membership of 4 million women organised in over 25,000 groups across the country.
Hon Susan Mang’eni confirmed the State Department’s aspiration to work with Maendeleo Ya Wanawake to inform grassroots women of the various economic opportunities available and organise empowerment forums across the country.
The Principal Secretary outlined key priority value chains that women can take advantage of, including Leather, Dairy, Tea, Livestock, Edible Oil, construction, blue economy, and rice. She further urged the women to take advantage of preferential opportunities to supply the Government (AGPO) and enjoy the various funding opportunities, including the Hustler fund.
Rahab Mwikali Muiu, the Chairperson of Maendeleo Ya Wanawake, outlined the organisation’s plans to advance the economic empowerment of its members at the grassroots level, including Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Mbao Sacco, which was founded in 2022 as part of its 70th anniversary commemoration.
Mwanaisha Chidzuga, the Deputy Government Spokesperson, urged the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Movement to utilise its network to register grassroots women with the Social Health Authority (SHA), and ensure every woman in Kenya benefits from ongoing Government initiatives.
The State Department of MSMEs is committed to helping women grow their businesses, but also to empowering them to bring others along, mentor, employ, and amplify their impact. This perfectly aligns with Maendeleo ya Wanawake’s first mandate of social and economic empowerment.
For media enquiries or further information, contact State Department of MSMEs Communications: