More than 5,000 vulnerable residents of Bungoma County have benefited from the distribution of productive assets under the USAID 4TheChild initiative, a program designed to empower households through education and income-generating activities.

Speaking during the exercise at the County Headquarters, Governor Kenneth Lusaka commended USAID 4TheChild for its unwavering commitment to uplifting marginalized groups across the county.

“Economic empowerment is central to building resilient communities. My administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment for such programs to thrive,” Lusaka said. He added that the initiative has enabled families to meet basic needs, educate their children, and venture into sustainable livelihoods.

The distributed items, which included school cheques, stationery, salon equipment, and sewing machines, targeted orphans, caregivers, and households affected by HIV. The goal is to reduce dependency and foster self-reliance.

Governor Lusaka urged beneficiaries to embrace accountability and sustainability to ensure a long-lasting impact.

The USAID 4TheChild project currently supports 5,259 orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) from 2,714 households across all nine sub-counties of Bungoma. This includes 1,962 children living with HIV, 98 HIV-exposed infants, and 3,199 OVC affected by HIV.

Since its inception, the project has invested over KSh 143 million in Bungoma to address the needs of vulnerable families.

The USAID 4TheChild team, led by Deputy Chief of Party Kenneth Otieno, reaffirmed their partnership with the county government and community structures to safeguard the dignity of vulnerable groups.

“This five-year initiative, which runs until March 2026, is about creating opportunities that allow families to live with dignity and build sustainable futures,” he said.