Garissa County Women Representative Amina Udgoon Siyad on Saturday presided over the launch county-wide National Government Affirmative Action (NGAAF) for the financial year 2023/24.
Among the programs launched were car washing machines, bodabodas, items for beauty therapy and saloons, as well as desks and lockers for schools.
Additionally, energy-saving stoves for vulnerable households and lockers and chairs for schoolgirls were unveiled to enhance community welfare
A significant component of the launch was the announcement of cash grants totaling Ksh. 21,807,620, distributed among 127 groups focused on women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“As you can see I am here to lead the exercise of giving out items that will enable these women and youth to work for themselves and earn something out of it, giving our youth Sh2,000 is putting them in more danger since all they will do with the small money is buy miraa and mogoka which as we are all aware has caused more harm than good to our community,” said MP Amina Udgoon.
Bismillah,
Today, We launched the Garissa County-wide NGAAF initiatives for the financial year 2023/24. These programs are aimed at empowering youth and promoting entrepreneurship. The projects include the provision of motorbikes for youth to enable transportation services or… pic.twitter.com/93JqYeednj— Edo Udgoon Siyad. (@UdgoonSiyad) July 13, 2024
“Instead of giving handouts, I prefer people working for themselves. As they say, it is good to make one learn how to fish for themselves as opposed to giving him or her the fish itself. That way you will have empowered that person in the long run so that they cater for their families.” She added.
MP Amina Udgoon said that through her office she has been able to empower both women, the youth and people with disabilities through small and medium businesses by giving out cash as well as items in every financial year.
The woman representative said that the time has come for leaders from across to focus on empowering the youth.
“Let us all think outside the box and use our God-given opportunity to change the lives of our people. The funds that come under us be at the county level, NGAAF or CDF, should be put to good use,” she said.
