Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has maintained that the government is commited at empowering women, youth and small-scale traders through initiatives aimed at boosting livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Speaking on Saturday, July 25, 2026 during the G-20 Nyangores Ward Equalizer Groups Empowerment Initiative at Itembe Grounds in Bomet County, Murkomen said the government remains focused on supporting grassroots economic groups that are driving community development.
“We are committed to empowering women, youth and small-scale traders in line with our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” Murkomen said.
The CS lauded the G-20 Nyangores Ward Equalizer Groups, an umbrella body bringing together 20 community organisations with more than 1,830 registered members, for mobilising residents and contributing to the country’s socio-economic growth.
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“I commend the group for organising themselves and making a significant contribution to our national socio-economic development,” he said.
Murkomen said the government would continue investing in infrastructure and public facilities to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
“As a Government, we will continue investing in roads, modern markets and other public amenities, while championing policies to support the growth of small and medium enterprises,” he said.
Kenya Kwanza’s BETA program
His remarks come as the Kenya Kwanza administration continues rolling out programmes under the BETA framework, which prioritises agriculture, affordable housing, healthcare, digital transformation and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as key drivers of economic growth and job creation.
The leaders urged residents to continue forming organised community groups to access government empowerment programmes and economic opportunities aimed at improving household incomes and accelerating grassroots development.
Murkomen defends South Rift developments
Murkomen has defended the Kenya Kwanza administration’s development record in Rift Valley, dismissing claims on social media that counties in the region have been sidelined ahead of President William Ruto’s planned visit.
“The development taking place in Mombasa, North Eastern, Central, Rift Valley and Nyanza is the same in every county. Let no one mislead Kenyans with propaganda that some counties have been neglected,” Murkomen said.
He further condem a section of social media users claiming that little had been done in Bomet and other Rift Valley counties, saying many of the projects currently under construction were initiated when he served as Roads Cabinet Secretary before being transferred to the Interior docket.
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He cited the ongoing construction of the Kaptembuliet road, the Sachora–Sigor–Chebunyo road, Chebole–Siongiroi–Chebunyo road, Kapkoros access road, Silibwet–Merigi road, and the Silibwet–Olenguruone–Mauche road, Kapkwen–Olbutyo–Siongiroi road, saying some contractors were already on site while others were expected to begin work within days.
The empowerment event brought together national and county leaders, including Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei, Bomet Woman Representative Linet Chepkorir, Chepalungu MP Victor Koech, Kericho Woman Representative Beatrice Kemei, Nominated Senator Joyce Korir, Teachers Service Commission Commissioner Wilson Sossion, Bomet County Commissioner Caroline Nzwili and Bomet County Police Commander Moses Nampayio, alongside Members of the County Assembly and other local leaders.
