How Donya's empowerment programs earned her the nickname 'Marogoto'

B ERIC ABUGA

While many were still struggling to come to terms with ‘Economic Empowerment Programs’, Kisii Woman Rep Dorice Donya had already traversed several parts of the County issuing foodstuffs and clothing to the less fortunate in society. 

Immediately after being elected as the third Kisii County Woman Representative through the 2022 general elections, Donya embarked in a County wide project to empower women, the youth and the elderly.

Women and the youth engage in sporting activities, receiving secondhand clothes and food stuffs.

The program could later earn her the nickname ‘Marogoto’ loosely translated to mean secondhand clothes.

She says the thought to empower locals came immediately she won her seat. “This has been my desire; it is unfortunate that we spend so much in other activities and forget that responsibility to empower our people.”

Through the program she had led mentorship sessions for high school students, providing guidance, career advice, and life skills training.

In partnership with the Kenya Film Commission, she launched a film-making capacity-building program, offering young creatives a platform to explore and develop their talents in the film industry.

In enhancing digital literacy, a computer training program has been introduced for young people in Kisii County, equipping them with vital ICT skills.

In advocacy and community engagement she established working groups focused on combating GBV and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), ensuring community-wide awareness and intervention programs.

As part of her anti-FGM efforts, she has successfully graduated 3,500 girls through an alternative rite of passage program, promoting empowerment and education over harmful cultural practices.

In her Gesieka declaration forum, over 30 elected legislators attended the event with an aim of addressing and end femicide while advocating for women's rights and safety.

“I remain steadfast in championing for women's empowerment, advocating for social welfare, and ensuring equitable resource distribution across Kisii County. I refuse to be distracted by the petty theatrics of political speculators.” she says.

Her office in partnership with the National Construction Authority (NCA), more than 5,000 construction workers have successfully received certification after undergoing a skill enhancement program.

“This initiative ensures workers are more competitive in the job market,” she says.

Rudi Daro na Mama Donya Program in collaboration with Kisii National Polytechnic has seen 800 youth from cohort undergoing training in short courses, equipping them with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

The hallmark of her empowerment projects has been the provision of clean water to homesteads, markets and schools.

In combating water scarcity, she commissioned the drilling of boreholes in South Mugirango, Nyaribari Masaba, Bomachoge Borabu, Bomachoge Chache, Bobasi, Kitutu Chache North, and Kitutu Chache South.

Schools across Kisii County have benefited from water tanks, enhancing rainwater harvesting. This initiative is expected to benefit at least 5,000 students.

Othe than receiving stipends, widows from across the County have been receiving she-goats to empower them economically.