By Adan Mohamed - Reporter
April 16, 2026 - Mandera Woman Representative has officially launched the Mandera County Empowerment Program in Mandera East Constituency under the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), targeting women, youth and persons living with disabilities (PWDs).
The initiative, funded through the NGAAF kitty, aims to address the long-standing challenge of limited access to affordable capital among special interest groups, enabling them to sustain and expand their businesses.
Speaking during the launch, Hon. Ummul Kheir announced the disbursement of cheques worth KSh20 million, benefiting over 160 groups across all constituencies in Mandera County.
“This programme is a deliberate effort to empower our women, youth and PWDs by easing access to financial support and unlocking opportunities at the grassroots level,” she said.
At least 50 groups from Mandera East Constituency were among the first beneficiaries, setting the pace for the programme’s rollout across the rest of the county.
Hon. Ummul Kheir told residents that, as county leaders, there is a responsibility to step forward and actively address the challenges affecting communities, especially those impacting the most vulnerable and least privileged.
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“We must work collectively to ensure inclusive development, prioritize access to essential services, and create opportunities that uplift marginalized groups,” she added.
Residents who benefited from the NGAAF kitty welcomed the initiative, noting that access to funding will significantly boost their businesses and improve household incomes.
Mandera Woman Representative, in her closing remarks, reaffirmed her commitment to using the NGAAF kitty to uplift vulnerable groups, describing them as key drivers of socio-economic development in the county.
The empowerment programme is expected to enhance financial inclusion, strengthen small enterprises and contribute to sustainable livelihoods as it expands to other constituencies.