Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera and Kakamega Women Representative Elsie Muhanda have donated Sh75,000 to three groups of reformed illicit brewers in Mautuma Ward to establish start-ups.
Each group, Upendo from Sipande village with 20 members, Njete Group from Bituyu village with 15 members (both in Mbagara Sub-Location), and Jiji Mabadiliko from Nzoia village in Mukuyu Sub-Location with 20 members, received Sh25,000.
Speaking during the meeting with the former brewers in Nzoia village, Nabwera vowed to fully support families efforts to make a living through decent business ventures.
The first-time lawmaker, who donated Sh20,000 to each of the groups, also promised to fund the education of their children through the CDF bursary program, provide materials for the group making aluminum sufurias, and provide a transformer for their areas to have access to electricity.
“My main aim is to convert illegal brewing to honest earning,” he said, adding that the program will expand to all six wards.
On her side, Kakamega Women Rep. Mama Elsie Muhanda, who gifted each of the groups Sh5,000, promised to support the MP in his quest for an empowered society.
“I am so impressed with what you are doing. Pombe haina faida. Pombe haileti maendeleo. Continue with that spirit; we’re behind you,” she said.
Janet Ndege, the group leader for Njete Women, thanked Nabii for his efforts and assured him that, as a group, they will continue to work to earn an honest living.
“For us, we have decided to move forward with no turning back. Thank you, Mheshimiwa, and we hope you will be coming here frequently, and we promise to work hard,” he said.
The function was also graced by Mautuma Chief Pamela Kulali and Mautuma Ward CDF Chairman Oliver Amugo.
Mautuma Ward MCA Charles Anyona was conspicuously absent in the meeting.
– Edited by Sam Oduor
Tom Lutali is a seasoned scribe based in Lugari Sub-County in Kakamega County who writes human interest stories and sports for WKT.