Tharaka Nithi County Woman Representative, Susan Ngugi, has called for the adoption of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) to provide individuals and communities with the opportunities and tools necessary for achieving financial independence.
Speaking at Igandegi in Mwimbi Ward, Maara Constituency, Ngugi emphasized that BETA aims to drive economic turnaround and inclusive growth through a value chain approach. She highlighted her office’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions through this policy.
Ngugi was visiting the Igandegi Welfare Group to hand over a tent and 100 chairs purchased under the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF). She urged community groups to leverage such projects for economic transformation and development, particularly in areas with limited access to resources.
“Through Affirmative Action, my office has identified needy groups in the county. Following the government’s BETA policy, we will continue to equip individuals and communities to provide inclusive growth, aiding economic transformation. We believe in fairness and justice for all, ensuring equal opportunities for everyone,” Ngugi stated.
Ngugi also encouraged groups to utilize other funding programs such as the Uwezo Fund, noting that NGAAF resources are limited and may not reach all groups in the county. She stressed that NGAAF funds are best suited for value addition in existing projects and called for accountability and transparency in government funding programs and allocations.
“Before NGAAF funds were introduced in 2015, groups were still receiving funding. It is not only the office of the Woman Representative that has funds for groups. I have very limited allocations compared to other legislators. The difference is that NGAAF funds are grants that go through a committee process for approval and consideration,” she explained.
Mary Kanyua Kimathi, the Chairperson of Igandegi Welfare Group, expressed gratitude for the government’s support. “The tents and chairs will empower our group, which has over 300 members. We had intended to purchase them ourselves, but due to financial challenges, we couldn’t actualize the project. One year since the group’s inception, we are glad the government considered our proposal,” she said.
In addition, Ngugi presented a cheque worth KShs 100,000 to Munga Mafundi Self Help Group for the purchase of dairy goats. Irene Kaari, the group’s Chairperson, mentioned that they chose goat farming as it is a profitable business that aligns with the BETA policy, targeting job creation, reducing the cost of living, and eradicating hunger through agriculture.
