BY: Emily Mikwa
Today the county department of Energy in partnership with Practical Action Organization and Women Entrepreneurs traversed through parts of Klsumu West and Kisumu East sub counties in a bid to promote the use of clean energy among the members of the community.
The two days campaign dubbed Empowering Women Engendering Energy , focuses on sensitizing the people on the benefits of clean energy and to empower women economically on matters clean energy . This is in line with the effort the county government is putting in place to reduce carbon emissions.
The caravan made several stop overs at different markets including Kisian, Holo Daraja mbili, Kiboswa, Mamboleo, Manyatta and Nyalenda.
The Women Entrepreneurs had a chance to showcase and sell a variety of environment- friendly clean stoves, bricketts made from recycled waste, solar lamps and woven food warmer baskets among other items.
While officially flagging off the caravan, the Chief Officer Energy, Industrialization and Enterprise Development, Mr. Joseph Oganga applauded the activities done by Practical Action especially to women in SMEs sector through capacity development, networking and financial support in doing business in clean cooking and making bricketts.
He pledged unwavering support to the team as they set out the caravan to meet all women across the county and sensitize them on use of clean energy in cooking and lighting based on the slogan ” When Women Lead , Communities Prosper”.
Mr. Oganga further reiterated that the department prioritizes kicking off ‘Nyangile’ also known as tin lamp and promote solar lamps and bricketts as a business venture.
On her part, the Gender Advocacy Officer from Practical Action, Madam Sharon Ochieng stated that their organization envisages a world that works better for everyone.
In addition, she says one of their key strategies is championing access to clean energy which informs that when women are able to access clean energy solutions, then it will not only improve their health but also provide opportunity to generate income.
“The initiative go along way in addressing economic violence and giving them a chance to serve better and improve their lives.” Sharon said
She also thanked the county government for providing an enabling environment for the women to sell their products, access markets and also get adequate capacity building to create quality products on clean energy.
Day two saw the champion team meet women at Chemelil, Awasi, Katito, Sondu, Ahero, Rabuor and Nyamasaria markets.
