Migori: Over 40,000 boda boda operators are set to benefit from a Sh16 million economic empowerment initiative that will see them receive new motorcycles.
In the first phase, 6,000 operators from Wath Ong'er in Nyatike sub-county on Friday received 25 motorcycles distributed by Governor Okoth Obado.
The governor appealed to youth and women to form groups so that the county government can easily fund their projects.
"This project will change the lives of many youths currently faced with many challenges. I advise boda boda operators in this county to remain focused because this is a project aimed at improving their economic status," said Mr Obado.
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Trade Executive Thomas Maneno challenged the operators to save in Saccos so that they could initiate more projects on their own.
"We want to make youths in the county more productive so that we can reduce poverty in this region," he said.
Meanwhile, the county government has unveiled a Sh13 million water project that will serve more than 3,000 locals in Nyatike.
This comes a month after cholera hit the county, killing five people and leaving several admitted in various hospitals.
Agriculture Executive Iscah Oluoch said the project, unveiled Jangoe, Karungu, will cover a five-kilometre radius and help thousands of households who still depend on water from streams, boreholes and rivers.
"This is a treasure we have to protect. Many people and animals will get water from this source. We must also make sure the source is kept clean to avoid diseases," she said.
