Coast

Women groups in Lamu receive financial boost ahead of Eid Festival

Some of the women who benefitted from a Sh300,000 financial boost from the Lamu County Government ahead of this week's Eid Festival. (Photos: Farhiya Hussein)

By Farhiya Hussein | Sunday, April 7, 2024

The women are expected to prepare and sell a variety of Swahili dishes on the streets of Lamu during the festival.

Women in Lamu received a financial boost of Sh300,000 from the Lamu County Government ahead of this week's Lamu Eid Festival.

The women are expected to prepare and sell a variety of Swahili dishes on the streets of Lamu during the festival as they showcase their culinary skills.

Keep reading

Governor Issa Timamy highlighted the initiative's importance, emphasising its aim to uplift the economic status of women in the region.

“The funding, distributed through various departments including Education, Youth, Gender, and Community Development, is specifically targeted to support small-scale women's business groups on Amu Island,” he said.

At the cheque handover event at Lamu Technical College Hall on Saturday, Governor Timamy emphasised that the funding serves two main objectives which are empowering women economically and highlighting the diverse range of Swahili cuisines to visitors during Eid al-Fitr festivities.

Local economy

He also stressed the need to maintain cleanliness to attract more tourists to Amu Island, thereby boosting the local economy.

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy hands over a cheque to one of the recipients ahead of this week's Eid Festival. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

"This financial injection will enable us to expand our businesses and provide better opportunities for our children," remarked Aisha Hassan, one of the recipients.

Aisha's sentiment was echoed by Fatma Ali, another recipient, who expressed optimism about the future prospects for their businesses.

"We are grateful for this support, and we are determined to make the most of it. This funding will not only benefit us but also contribute to the economic growth of our community," she added.

As Lamu prepares for the Eid festive celebrations, the infusion of funds serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity for women entrepreneurs, part of the county's commitment to fostering economic growth and empowerment at the grassroots level.

With Swahili delicacies poised to captivate locals and visitors alike, the Eid al-Fitr festivities promises to be a celebration of culture, community, and culinary excellence in Lamu held annually.