PS Jonathan Mueke Distributes 6,400 Chicks to 64 Women’s CBOs in Kitui County
On Saturday November 1, 2025, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Livestock Development, Jonathan Mueke, CBS, led the distribution of 6,400 one-day-old chicks to 64 women’s Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) at an event held in Kabati town, Kitui West Constituency.
Each group received 100 chicks, benefiting women from all 40 wards of Kitui County. The initiative, implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture, is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to economically empower women across the country under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Speaking during the event, PS Mueke reaffirmed the Kenya Kwanza government’s commitment under the leadership of President Dr. William Ruto to empowering citizens through livestock and poultry farming as a sustainable way of improving livelihoods. “This program is changing lives. Many women who benefited in the first phase have already seen tangible profits from poultry farming. By also commercializing livestock keeping, our women can increase their household incomes and achieve economic independence,” said PS Mueke.
The first phase of the program in Kitui County benefited 16 women’s CBOs, two from each of the county’s 8 constituencies, with a total of 1,600 chicks distributed. According to PS Mueke, the success stories from these early beneficiaries inspired the expansion of the project to reach more groups across the county.
Several beneficiaries expressed their appreciation to PS Mueke and the national government for supporting grassroots economic initiatives.
Jane Mutie, a beneficiary from Kasaini Location, said she was grateful for the opportunity, adding that she plans to rear the chicks diligently to generate income for her family. “When these chickens mature, we’ll sell them to support our households and even pay school fees for our children. This program truly uplifts us,” she said.
Martha Mwikali, a member of the Winzyeei CBO, also thanked PS Mueke and the government for remembering women through this program. “We are very grateful to PS Jonathan Mueke for this initiative. These chicks will go a long way in improving our livelihoods,” she noted.
The program continues to roll out across the country as part of the government’s broader goal to empower women, create jobs, and enhance food security through small-scale livestock ventures.
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