In 2018, the Nyeri County Government launched the Nyeri County Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Programme with the primary goal of uplifting vulnerable populations through inclusive economic development.
Since its inception, the initiative has been instrumental in enhancing the capacity of marginalized groups and integrating them into the county’s economic framework.
As of May 23, 2025, the county had disbursed over Ksh180 million in support of women-led businesses, with more than 2,300 enterprises benefiting from financial and material assistance.
Governor Mutahi Kahiga reiterated his administration’s commitment to gender equity and social inclusion, highlighting the programme as a pillar in the county’s socio-economic agenda. “We believe that empowering women, youth, and persons with disabilities is not just a moral imperative but a strategic economic decision,” he stated.
The programme offers a multifaceted approach that includes business incubation, skills training, digital empowerment, and social support services.
Through partnerships with institutions such as Nyeri National Polytechnic, hundreds of young women have acquired digital skills that have enabled them to launch over 500 online businesses. Additionally, subsidized childcare centres have been established in markets and public institutions to support working mothers.
To ensure sustainability, the programme has been embedded into the county’s long-term planning documents, including the 2023 in–2027 County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP).
Persons with disabilities have also been supported through the provision of assistive devices, vocational training, and financial aid, enabling them to engage in productive livelihoods and reduce dependency.
The Nyeri County Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Programme stands as a model of inclusive governance.
