Former ASALs and Regional Development Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Penina Malonza, has introduced a transformative poultry-rearing initiative dubbed Kuku Kwa Boma, Utajiri Kwetu, Mashinani Ndipo, which has emerged as a significant step towards empowering women and addressing poverty in Kitui County. Through this program, she has distributed over 30,000 chicks to beneficiaries across all eight constituencies in the county. This includes 5,000 chicks during the program’s launch in Kwavonza, 3,000 in a mini-launch in Matinyani, 2,000 in a Mwingi mini-launch, and a remarkable 20,000 chicks during a recent event in Mutomo. The initiative provides a sustainable source of income for women while strengthening food security and promoting economic independence in rural communities.
The program reflects Hon. Malonza’s commitment to grassroots socio-economic development and her dedication to uplifting vulnerable groups. By focusing on poultry farming—a viable and manageable livelihood activity—she ensures that women in the county can quickly benefit from consistent income streams.
The initiative aligns with the broader national development agenda, aiming to reduce poverty levels by creating opportunities that enhance household resilience and economic productivity. Alongside the distribution of chicks, the program offers training on modern farming techniques, equipping beneficiaries with the knowledge and resources needed for long-term success.
As the program gains momentum, it is set to become a cornerstone of Kitui’s development strategy, with the potential to transform rural livelihoods. By directly addressing the challenges faced by women in accessing sustainable economic opportunities, Hon. Malonza continues to champion inclusive development and economic empowerment in Kitui. The Kuku Kwa Boma initiative serves as a model for community-driven solutions that can be scaled to other regions, reinforcing the importance of targeted interventions in addressing grassroots challenges. It also continues her efforts in building resilience among ASAL communities to respond to climate shocks.
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