The government is committed to enhancing financial inclusivity in the country, President William Ruto said Thursday during the 14th anniversary of the Joyful Women Organization at the Moi International Sports Centre.
Ruto said the government will double the resources available to women and youth groups by matching their savings. “The goal is not only to empower members but also to cultivate a saving culture,” he said.
Ruto said he looks forward to the day when the government will borrow from the savings of Kenyans as opposed to foreign entities. “Instead of us paying interest to other countries, we will be paying it to our people so that we can grow Kenya,” he said.
Ruto lauded first lady Rachel Ruto’s commitment to women’s empowerment in the country. He said Joywo has enhanced financial inclusion, making a significant impact on the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
“The organization has done much more, made greater strides and achieved significant impact throughout Kenya,” he said.
Rachel Ruto said table banking has helped women build enterprises that have transformed their lives. “Joyful Women Organization contributes to the economic empowerment of our members through financial inclusion, capacity building, trade and market access and MSEs credit,” she said.
Ghana’s first lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo lauded Joyful Women for championing financial inclusion that has benefited women in Kenya.
The event also marked the launch in Kenya of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development’s WE ARE EQUAL campaign.
Also present were first lady Dorcas Rigathi, first ladies Monica Geingos of Namibia, Angeline Ndayishimiye of Burundi and Janet Museveni of Uganda.
