
By Willys Juma
CECM for Sports, Culture, Gender, and Youth Affairs, Hon. Beatrice Odongo, has strongly urged youth and women in West Seme to embrace agribusiness as the primary path to economic empowerment, declaring that self-employment opportunities far outweigh the search for formal employment.
The CECM made the remarks on Tuesday during a visit to the offices of the Community Development Support Services (CODESS), a local organization championing youth and women empowerment. The visit underscored the County Government’s commitment to supporting grassroots initiatives that foster economic growth and self-reliance.
Hosted by CODESS Chairlady Madam Alice Okumu and Coordinator Mr. Henry Anyona at the A.C.K St Nyiera Church Ngere Parish office, Hon. Odongo was given a tour of the organization’s exhibition center.

CODESS, which focuses on health education, agribusiness, and climate action, showcased several impactful projects run by its members. CECM Odongo inspected a range of practical enterprises, including poultry keeping, beekeeping, fruit farming, seed banking, and tree planting for climate action.
In a subsequent meeting, the CECM lauded the group’s efforts, emphasizing that such grassroots initiatives possess immense potential to drive significant social and economic change in the community.

Hon. Odongo pledged to mobilize key County partners, specifically the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock Development and Irrigation, to provide technical and logistical assistance necessary for the group to scale its operations.
She also provided crucial financial advice, urging the youth and women to be proactive in accessing available government funding.

“Apply for these funds, such as the Youth and Trade funds, and ensure timely repayment to build on your credit limit,” she advised, highlighting that responsible credit management is a critical step toward long-term business expansion.
Concluding her address, the CECM delivered a memorable message, challenging the prevailing notion that success only lies in white-collar careers.
“Remember that money is in the soil,” she stated emphatically. “Youth and women should not just think of white-collar jobs but should focus on the many opportunities available in self-employment.”
She also noted that the success of these agribusiness initiatives would not only improve livelihoods but also address broader social issues. “This is a great initiative that will help you economically by addressing matters of education, health, and reducing domestic violence,” she concluded.
CECM Beatrice Odongo Touts Agribusiness as Key to Youth Empowerment in West Seme
Ditch the Desk: CECM Odongo Tells West Seme Youth ‘Money is in the Soil’ 👩🌾
CECM for Sports, Culture, Gender, and Youth Affairs, Hon. Beatrice Odongo, has strongly urged youth and women in West Seme to embrace agribusiness as the primary path to economic empowerment, declaring that self-employment opportunities far outweigh the search for formal employment.
The CECM made the remarks on Tuesday during a visit to the offices of the Community Development Support Services (CODESS), a local organization championing youth and women empowerment. The visit underscored the County Government’s commitment to supporting grassroots initiatives that foster economic growth and self-reliance.
Hosted by CODESS Chairlady Madam Alice Okumu and Coordinator Mr. Henry Anyona at the A.C.K St Nyiera Church Ngere Parish office, Hon. Odongo was given a tour of the organization’s exhibition center.
CODESS, which focuses on health education, agribusiness, and climate action, showcased several impactful projects run by its members. CECM Odongo inspected a range of practical enterprises, including poultry keeping, beekeeping, fruit farming, seed banking, and tree planting for climate action.
In a subsequent meeting, the CECM lauded the group’s efforts, emphasizing that such grassroots initiatives possess immense potential to drive significant social and economic change in the community.
Hon. Odongo pledged to mobilize key County partners, specifically the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock Development and Irrigation, to provide technical and logistical assistance necessary for the group to scale its operations.
She also provided crucial financial advice, urging the youth and women to be proactive in accessing available government funding.
“Apply for these funds, such as the Youth and Trade funds, and ensure timely repayment to build on your credit limit,” she advised, highlighting that responsible credit management is a critical step toward long-term business expansion.
Concluding her address, the CECM delivered a memorable message, challenging the prevailing notion that success only lies in white-collar careers.
“Remember that money is in the soil,” she stated emphatically. “Youth and women should not just think of white-collar jobs but should focus on the many opportunities available in self-employment.”
She also noted that the success of these agribusiness initiatives would not only improve livelihoods but also address broader social issues. “This is a great initiative that will help you economically by addressing matters of education, health, and reducing domestic violence,” she concluded.