The Military Wives Association of Kenya (MWAK) together with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Compensation and Welfare (C&W) branch has rolled out a capacity building training program for women in a quest to improve the holistic quality of life for KDF families.
On Friday, the association held a one-day mentorship and empowerment session with widows and spouses of KDF Service Personnel at Moi Air Base (MAB), Nairobi.
Speaking at the event, MWAK Chairlady Mrs. Tabitha Kibochi said that the association has rolled out the program to enable women share business insights and learn health and lifestyle matters that affect them. “Business does not only improve a family’s income but impacts familes positively in many ways,” she added.
Officers from the Ministry of Public Service and Gender, sensitized the women on existing Government programs such as financial opportunities and entrepreneurial training that can help them improve their businesses. They took the participants through special Government funding programs; Uwezo Fund, Women Enterprise Fund (WEF), Youth Development Fund and National Government Affirmative Fund (NGAF) which can be tapped into.
The facilitators enlightened the participants on the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) – an affirmative action program that facilitates the legal requirements for disadvantaged groups, including women, to access 30% of all public tenders as an area the women can explore. As health, nutrition and lifestyle matters were discussed, special needs children also received their assistive devices during the outreach program.
The women were encouraged to visit relevant government offices for assistance as they (offices) exist to serve the public.
MAB Deputy Base Commander Colonel Victor Kang’ethe acknowledged the remarkable contribution that MWAK continues to register in the improvement of the welfare of KDF service personnel and their families.
In attendance were Chief of Compensation and Welfare Brigadier Charles Mwazighe, Colonel Gilliard Kimonge, KAF Chief of Medical Services Colonel (Dr) Nicholas Mugweru, Senior Officers, Officers and Service Members.
