KEPSA Foundation led by the Executive Director, Ms. Gloria Ndekei, on 21^st November 2023, held a meeting with the Embu County leadership steered by H.E. Governor Cecily Mbarire and Deputy Governor, H.E. Justus Mugo at the Embu County Offices. The meeting sought to identify possible areas of collaboration between KEPSA Foundation and the County Government of Embu.

In her Remarks, Ms. Ndekei acknowledged KEPSA Foundation’s role in supporting the KEPSA Industry while focusing on social issues with economic benefits.

Ms. Ndekei highlighted the key priority areas for the Foundation and the need to tap into different areas of collaboration with the Embu County Government, especially on partnerships with other like-minded organisations to fulfill community outreach programs, partnerships with County governments through county-private sector engagements, need for county barazas to address peace and national values through a five year Mkenya Daima program, building women’s capacity in leadership, entrepreneurship and employability, and support in the climate, emergency and drought resilience programs and youth involvement in these initiatives.

In her remarks, H.E. Hon. Cecily Mbarire expressed gratitude to KEPSA Foundation and what it has achieved to do since its inception. She specifically thanked the Foundation for organizing a community outreach program on drought resilience at Makima Ward in Mbeere North on 30^th June, 2023. This project was held in partnership with ChildFund, through Dow Chemical Funding and coordinated through the Office of the Senator, Embu County, to reach vulnerable drought-affected families and give access to lifesaving and life-sustaining food and nutrition assistance. The drive assisted over 600 residents with food and cash. The group included the sick, people living with disability and the aged.  The visit was in response to the situation in the community where residents had experienced a failed crop.

Hon. Mbarire noted that there was need for the County Government of Embu to collaborate with KEPSA Foundation in its priority areas, noting that resources are inadequate for the County Government to meet the needs of Embu residents.

She expressed concerns on the country and Embu County being hit hard by the ravaging effects of climate change and thus agreed on how important climate action and real climate change are. She further noted that the County has done a lot of tree planting and that the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry has been instrumental in supporting this to mitigate the effects of climate change. The Ministry adopted Embu County for this specific initiative.

The Governor added that she was passionate about women empowerment of women in business and enriching them with the necessary skills.

The County Government is working closely with the Ministry of Gender and Affirmative Action in advocating for 30% uptake on Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) for women, youth and persons living with disability and has ensured this is complied with in the performance contract for County Government employees.

In his remarks, the Deputy Governor, H.E. Hon. Mugo noted the need for continuous and systematic civic education to address the information gap on different governance issues both national and in the counties.

The County Government of Embu and KEPSA Foundation agreed to collaborate and partner on the key priority areas of Governance and National Values, Climate Action and Resilience, Women empowerment and Leadership and Community outreach programs.