Kindiki: Empowerment funds meant for business, not bread and clothes
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki speaking during a women’s empowerment event at Moi Kabartonjo Primary School in Baringo County on August 3, 2025.
Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki has defended the Kenya Kwanza government's empowerment programmes, insisting they are not political gimmicks but initiatives aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Kenyans.
Speaking on Sunday during a women’s empowerment event at Moi Kabartonjo Primary School in Baringo County, where he contributed Sh1.2 million, Prof Kindiki said the programmes had already yielded tangible benefits.
He noted that many women’s groups had used the funds to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
In addition to his personal contribution, the Deputy President announced that President William Ruto had sent Sh3 million in support of the same initiative.
“These are business funds, not money for buying clothes or bread at the market. The goal of these empowerment drives is to strengthen businesses and uplift livelihoods,” Prof Kindiki stated.
“Our focus is on empowering people, starting with women. Soon, we will extend similar support to the youth,” he added.
His remarks came amid criticism from opposition leaders who have accused the government of using such programmes for political mobilisation rather than genuine development.
During the event, Prof Kindiki also promised to revive stalled development projects and launch new ones, acknowledging that some had been delayed due to funding shortages worsened by economic challenges.
“Several projects, including security roads in this county, stalled due to limited funding and economic constraints. We now have the resources to resume work and start new projects. Baringo will get its fair share,” he said.
He cited specific projects earmarked for revival, including the Kipsaraman-Kinyach road, Kinyach-Kolowa-Kamusino road, and the Chemolingot-Kapedo-Lokori-Lodwar corridor—key routes aimed at boosting security and curbing banditry in the region.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is blessed by Baringo elders during Baringo North Constituency Economic Empowerment Engagement at Kabartonjo Grounds on August 3, 2025.
He also revealed plans for a livestock restocking programme targeting Baringo North and South, areas badly affected by bandit attacks that left many families destitute. He said two government agencies had already distributed goats to affected families.
On energy access, the DP announced that the government had allocated Sh783 million for last-mile electricity connectivity, which will connect over 4,000 households. Of this, Sh200 million will go toward connecting 700 households in Baringo North.
Prof Kindiki also assured residents that the upcoming United Democratic Alliance (UDA) primaries for the vacant Senate seat—left open following the death of Senator William Cheptumo—would be free and fair.
“I humbly ask for your support for the UDA candidate in the upcoming by-election. The nominations will be transparent, and we will fully back the winner to ensure we retain the seat,” he said.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot defended the empowerment initiatives as a core part of the UDA manifesto.
“We have visited several counties for empowerment drives. Some critics claim these are political stunts, but they must understand that our commitment to fighting poverty includes these interventions,” said Mr Cheruiyot.
“We will not stop these programmes just because the opposition disapproves. This is part of the bottom-up economic model we promised Kenyans during the campaigns,” he added.
The Baringo event was also attended by Governor Benjamin Cheboi, MPs Joseph Makilap (Baringo North), Musa Sirma (Eldama Ravine), Joshua Kandie (Baringo Central), William Kamket (Tiaty), and Charles Kamuren (Baringo South).
Senator Cheruiyot contributed Sh500,000, MP Makilap gave Sh1 million, Governor Cheboi donated Sh200,000, and other MPs each gave Sh100,000.
The event followed a similar empowerment drive in Kabarnet the previous Friday, where Prof Kindiki contributed the same amounts—Sh1.2 million personally and Sh3 million on behalf of President Ruto. Over Sh10 million has been raised across the two events.
