Kisumu County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Sports, Culture, Gender and Youth Affairs, Hon. Beatrice Odongo, on Tuesday visited the offices of the Community Development Support Services (CODESS) in West Seme to assess local initiatives focused on youth and women empowerment.
Hon. Odongo was hosted by CODESS Chairlady Madam Alice Okumu and Coordinator Mr. Henry Anyona at the organization’s office at A.C.K ST Nyiera Church Ngere Parish. The visit underscored the County Government’s interest in leveraging community-based efforts to drive economic growth and self-reliance.
CODESS is a community-based organization dedicated to awakening communities’ inherent capacities to lead dignified lives through partnership and empowerment. Its core programs focus on health education, agribusiness, and climate action, with a strong emphasis on empowering youth and women.
Chairperson Okumu and Coordinator Anyona led the CECM on a tour of the CODESS exhibition center, where she met group members and witnessed their practical activities. Hon. Odongo inspected several projects, including poultry keeping, beekeeping, fruit farming and seed banking, and tree planting for climate action.
In a meeting with the CODESS members, the CECM applauded their efforts and encouraged them to continue their excellent work. She emphasized the potential for such grassroots initiatives to deliver significant social and economic change.
Hon. Odongo pledged to mobilize county partners, including the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock Development and Irrigation, to provide necessary technical and logistical assistance to the group.
She also urged members, particularly the youth and women, to take advantage of available government funds, such as the Youth and Trade funds. “Apply for these funds and ensure timely repayment to build on your credit limit,” she advised, emphasizing that this is a critical step for expanding their activities.
Concluding her remarks, the CECM delivered a powerful message about economic independence. “This is a great initiative that will help you economically by addressing matters of education, health, and reducing domestic violence,” she stated. “Remember that money is in the soil. Youth and women should not just think of white-collar jobs but should focus on the many opportunities available in self-employment.”
