President William Ruto has announced a series of transformative pledges aimed at empowering women, boosting tourism and promoting cultural enterprises in Kajiado County. Speaking during the Maa Cultural Festival being held in Amboseli, the President committed targeted financial and institutional support to accelerate local economic growth.
As part of the day’s activities, President Ruto also officially handed over Amboseli National Park to the Kajiado County Government, a gesture that underscored the national government’s recognition of devolved leadership in managing local resources.
In a move to strengthen women-led enterprises, President Ruto promised to allocate Ksh500, 000 each to 47 women beadwork cooperatives across Kajiado County. The decision followed an appeal by Kajiado Woman Representative Leah Sankaire, who emphasized the importance of empowering women artisans engaged in traditional beadwork as a means of preserving culture while generating income.
The Head of State further announced a Ksh100 million fund for the establishment of Ushanga hubs across the county. The hubs, under the Ushanga Kenya Initiative, will serve as production and marketing centers for beadwork products, offering training, innovation, and access to national and international markets. Ruto noted that Ushanga Kenya CEO Dorothy Mashipei and her team are well-versed with the county’s unique cultural enterprises and will oversee the project’s rollout.
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In addition to supporting cultural entrepreneurship, President Ruto also pledged to set up a Tourism Academy in Amboseli. The institution will focus on training youth and professionals in various fields of tourism and hospitality, aligning education with the county’s growing tourism potential. The proposal was presented by Kajiado South MP Sakimba Parashina, who highlighted Amboseli’s global recognition as a premier tourist destination and the need to enhance local skills to match international standards.
President Ruto’s commitments mark a significant investment in the cultural and economic advancement of Kajiado County. The pledges are expected to empower women, expand local markets, create employment opportunities, and strengthen the tourism value chain, positioning Amboseli as both a cultural and economic hub in the region.
By Benedict Aoya
