Kitui gubernatorial hopeful Dr. Irene Kasalu today took her Ziara Mashinani to Migwani Ward in Mwingi West Constituency, where she met traders, boda boda operators, mama mboga, youth groups, farmers, and local residents to discuss practical solutions for improving livelihoods.

The visit focused on listening to the everyday challenges facing small businesses and communities while exploring ways to unlock economic opportunities at the grassroots.

Discussions centered on improving access to affordable financing, expanding market opportunities, upgrading market infrastructure, supporting youth entrepreneurship, and creating an enabling environment for local businesses to thrive.Addressing residents, Dr. Kasalu emphasized that meaningful leadership begins by engaging directly with the people and understanding their needs firsthand.

“Development starts by listening. Every trader, every boda boda rider, every farmer, and every young entrepreneur deserves a government that works with them to create opportunities and improve their quality of life.”she said.

A central pillar of Dr. Kasalu’s campaign is poverty reduction through economic empowerment. Rather than relying on handouts, she says her vision is to equip residents with the tools, skills, and support they need to create sustainable incomes.

Her proposed approach prioritizes sectors where Kitui has a natural advantage, including livestock keeping, beekeeping, crop farming, value addition, and agribusiness, while also supporting women and youth-owned enterprises.Residents welcomed the engagement, raising concerns about access to capital, poor infrastructure, unemployment, and the need for greater investment in local enterprises.

Many expressed optimism that continued grassroots consultations would help shape policies that reflect the realities on the ground.Dr. Kasalu’s Ziara Mashinani continues to reinforce her people-centered approach, focusing on practical solutions aimed at empowering communities, strengthening local economies and ensuring that development reaches every corner of Kitui County.