Marsabit in deal to boost women enterprises

LEFT: Marsabit Governor Ukur Yattani exchanges pleasantries with Ms Sabdiyo Dido the SNV’s Global Manager for EOWE, soon after signing the MOU in Nairobi. The programme seeks to empower women economically.PHOTO:JAMES WANZALA/STANDARD

Marsabit County Government and a Netherlands-based organisation have entered into an agreement which will see nearly 5,000 women benefit.

The deal with SNV Netherlands Development Organisation will seek to empower women economically in 12 Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL) counties in Kenya and 15 communities in Vietnam. The scope of collaboration includes livestock and related enterprises such as milk, hides and skins.

The 6.7 million euros (Sh748 million) programme is funded by the Netherlands Government. “We are designing new areas of collaboration with SNV to empower our women who have been politically, culturally and socially marginalised for nearly 50 years,” said Marsabit Governor Ukur Yattani during the signing ceremony also witnessed by SNV’s Global Manager for Enhancing Opportunities for Women’s Enterprises (EOWE), Ms Sabdiyo Dido.

Sabdiyo said the programme will benefit women in agriculture and livestock value chain businesses. “We want to see women having the knowledge, skill and confidence to participate in economic activities,” said Sabdiyo.