From Left: PS Aviation Terresia Mbaika, Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka and Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse at Akatch Stadium in Ilima on July 28, 2025. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Youth and women groups in Ilima Ward were the biggest beneficiaries of a government-backed empowerment initiative after State Department of Aviation Principal Secretary Teressia Mbaika and Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka disbursed over Ksh 2.6 million in support of income-generating activities.
While addressing residents at Kyambeke Market on Monday, PS Mbaika issued a stern reminder to beneficiaries that the funds were not for frivolous use. “This money is not for buying group t-shirts. Let each member go do something beneficial with the funds so that the empowerment is felt,” she said.
Ilima Ward alone received Ksh 1.1 million, a move that the PS said would significantly uplift women in the area. She also encouraged residents to seize the numerous government initiatives meant to create employment and improve livelihoods.
“Very soon, the Climate Workx Government Programme will be rolled out in the villages. This will be another opportunity for the youth to make money. Whether it’s in farming or any other area, let us be ready to tap into every opportunity,” she added.
Mbaika also pointed to Konza Technopolis, located within the region, as a potential job goldmine for the local youth. “Let’s be strategic. Konza City is offering jobs, and if we do not move fast, we will start seeing people from other counties filling these positions.”
Taking a swipe at local leadership in Kaiti Constituency, the PS affirmed that political barriers would not stand in the way of development. “The current leadership in Kaiti will not bar us from bringing development from the President. Roads are coming—starting with the 13km stretch from Ukia to Kyambeke which will be tarmacked soon.”
She further assured residents that her position in the Ministry of Roads and Transport gives her leverage to push for infrastructure development across the region. “Consider yourselves lucky. I am in the Department of Aviation under the Ministry of Roads and Transport. I will ensure most of the roads in this region are done.”
Expressing unwavering support for President William Ruto, Mbaika predicted continued progress. “I have full confidence that our President will serve his two terms. Be prepared for massive development.”
Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka, who also serves as UDA’s Organising Secretary, handed over Ksh 1.5 million to boda boda operators on behalf of President Ruto. He encouraged the youth to invest the money wisely in ventures such as electric motorcycles and car wash businesses.
“There are those who may want to invest in boda bodas—please consider electric bikes supported by the government. They are cheaper than fuel bikes, which often come with high-interest loans,” he said.
Musyoka took the opportunity to defend President Ruto’s leadership, blasting opposition leaders for offering no constructive alternatives. “They criticize but propose nothing. Some had the opportunity to be Deputy President and did nothing. Let them first show us what they achieved in their two years in power.”
He dismissed claims that Kenya was stagnating, terming them as “propaganda.”
“The President inherited a heavy burden—ballooning debt, a stalled economy due to COVID-19—but in just two years, he has stabilized the economy, revolutionized the health sector, improved agriculture, expanded job opportunities through affordable housing, digital transformation, road construction, and power connectivity.”
Other leaders present at the event included Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, Machakos Town MP Caleb Mule, Masinga MP Joshua Mwalyo, nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda, and KEMRI Director Damaris Maweu.
The event marked the second wave of President Ruto’s empowerment drive in the region, reinforcing the administration’s pledge to deliver inclusive development across all counties.
