By SHABAN MAKOKHA
April 19, 2026| A quiet economic revolution is taking shape in Kakamega following the disbursement of Sh12 million in empowerment grants to youth and women under the County Youth Service and Women Empowerment Programme (CYSWEP).
More than 100 groups—two from each of the county’s 60 wards—have walked away with Sh100,000 each, a seed fund from Governor Fernandes Barasa that is expected to transform small ideas into viable enterprises. For many beneficiaries, the moment marked a transition from short-term manual public service roles to a future anchored in self-employment, financial literacy, and group enterprise development.
Launched in 2019, CYSWEP—popularly known as Kazi Mashinani—has grown into one of the county’s strongest empowerment pillars, offering temporary employment, instilling discipline, and equipping young people and women with vital business and life skills. The exit plan for the third cohort, however, signals a deeper evolution of the programme. This milestone paves the way for the recruitment of the next cohort, with 3,000 youth and women set to join the fourth phase and serve for the coming year.
Beneficiaries have now been supported to register formal groups, open bank accounts, acquire a savings culture, develop financial literacy, and build viable business models. This training was conducted in partnership with Equity Bank and Co-operative Bank, focusing on how to sustain group enterprises beyond county support.
“This money is not for spending—it is for building. We want to see these groups grow into serious community businesses,” Governor Barasa told the beneficiaries, emphasising transparency, discipline, and investment in income-generating projects.
With Sh12 million injected directly into grassroots enterprises, the county expects to see new micro-businesses emerging across all sub-counties, increasing household income among CYSWEP families. Other expected outcomes include reduced youth unemployment and strengthened local value chains in agriculture, trade, and services. Economists estimate that if each group turns its Sh100,000 into a small enterprise employing at least two people, the ripple effect could create over 240 new jobs in the short term—and many more as the groups expand.
Away from development matters, Governor Barasa did not shy away from political realities. In a veiled reference to recent friction within the Kenya Kwanza coalition—particularly between UDA and ODM partners—the governor urged leaders to avoid unnecessary infighting. He asked leaders in the coalition to focus on unity and service delivery that will give President William Ruto a second term.
“We cannot afford petty wars while citizens are waiting for services. Unity and delivery must come first. This is what Kenyans will consider while casting their votes at the ballot,” he said. Political observers note that Barasa’s remarks also underscore emerging tensions within the coalition at the county level, especially as leaders begin to shape their positions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The event also drew international attention. Nelson Kamoti, CEO of Uganda’s Arlington Academy of Hope, attended the ceremony as part of a benchmarking mission, signalling growing regional interest in Kakamega’s empowerment model. Kamoti lauded the county’s approach, saying it reflects “a practical blend of training, discipline, and opportunity creation” that other East African regions are keen to learn from.
With the Sh12 million disbursement, Kakamega is betting on youth and women as the engine of grassroots economic growth. Whether these groups succeed will test not just the strength of CYSWEP’s training, but the county’s broader vision for sustainable, inclusive economic transformation.