Vulnerable households in Kisumu County have received a major boost after the Usaid 4TheChild project flagged off the distribution of productive business assets worth Sh12.8 million to help families achieve financial independence.
The investment is part of a wider initiative covering several counties, but Kisumu alone accounted for Sh9 million in allocations due to its high number of beneficiaries.
Speaking during the handover on Thursday, George Okoth, chief of party for Usaid 4TheChild, said the assets were tailored to each household following an assessment of needs.
“We ensure each family gets support that addresses their unique situation.
In Kisumu, we are serving more than 30,000 beneficiaries, including more than 6,000 children living with HIV and 14,206 adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) under the Dreams programme,” he said.
Okoth said while the US government recently suspended aid to 82 countries in Africa, Kenya remains among the 11 projects still funded, allowing vulnerable communities in Kisumu to continue receiving critical support.
He also thanked the US government and Moi University College of Health Sciences, the project’s implementing partner, for sustaining the interventions.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathew Owili lauded Usaid’s support, saying it was helping to bridge gaps caused by limited county resources.
“With Usaid’s partnership, caregivers have been trained and equipped with tools to run businesses that sustain families affected by HIV. Because of this intervention, Kisumu has achieved a 95 per cent viral suppression rate among children, which is a significant health milestone,” he said.
Owili highlighted the Dreams programme as critical for empowering adolescent girls and young women.
“The project is not only giving them start-up kits like salon equipment and irrigation tools but also shielding them from exploitative relationships. It’s better to give them the fishing line and hook than to keep giving them fish,” he added.
According to Owili, today’s distribution targeted 433 households and 312 AGYW. Since October last year, the project has also paid Sh17 million in school fees for children in Kisumu.
The Usaid 4TheChild project, which runs from 2021 to 2026, also covers Siaya, Kakamega, Busia and Bungoma counties.
For many of the girls, the project is already changing lives.
Cynthia Awuoro, a young mother from Nyalenda, said the Dreams programme had given her independence.
“I have gained several skills and now with the start-up kit, I can generate my own income. I won’t depend on my parents , I can take care of myself and my child,” she said.
Beneficiary Irene Akinyi said, “With the equipment I’ve received a hair dryer, pedicure foot spa and UV machine. I can now earn my own money through beauty services. I no longer have to depend entirely on others to meet my personal needs.”
More than 700 business tools are being distributed under the programme, ranging from salon kits and food vending equipment to farming tools such as wheelbarrows and shade nets.
The goal, project officials said, is to strengthen families’ ability to meet health, education and social needs through sustainable enterprises.
“This strategic investment is not just about tools. It is about dignity, self-reliance and giving families the means to secure their future,” Okoth said.
