By Okong’o Oduya
Busia County, Kenya: Busia County has receieved a cash boost for development projects from Uwezo Fund According to Uwezo Fund director Kasembeli Naisuma a sum of Kshs 153,340,000 has been disbursed to 1,061 Women groups, 479 Youth groups, and 29 groups of People living with disabilities in Busia County.
“Busia County has cumulatively received a total of Ksh279, 484, 160 from the Uwezo fund out of which ksh153, 340, 000 has been disabused to 2,928 groups in the county,” he confirmed.
Addressing self-help groups in Butula during the issuance of Ksh.4.54 Million cheque to 46 groups, Kasembeli said the Fund provides affordable, accessible, and interest-free credit to women, youth, and groups of people living with disabilities to enable them to promote their businesses to enhance their economic well-being through lending.
“Through these funds, the vulnerable and marginalized can access affordable finances and business development support for economic development. The 30 percent procurement set aside for youth women and people living with disabilities is enabling them to access government tenders and contracts,” he said.
He raised fear on the low repayment rate by those who have borrowed the money saying that which is their greatest concern as aboard.
Butula area Member of Parliament Joseph Oyula challenged youths for failing to approach youth’s enterprise fund offices to access loans, yet they want money adding that youth and women enterprise funds are interest-free which are hardly capitalized by many.
“Recently I took time and visit some of the youths groups in Butula, they want money, the problem is that they hardly explore youths enterprise funds and Uwezo fund. You should not fear to approach these offices. The money is free from interest,” he said.
He requested the director Uwezo fund to add more money to his constituency, calling upon youths, women, and those living with disabilities, to form groups and go for this money to better their lives adding that, that is the only way youths will redeem themselves from asking for handouts from politicians.
“Women and youths go for this money. The government is giving you this money with no interest. Why should you not go for it yet others are benefiting from it out there?” He paused
Deputy Commissioner Butula Sub County Arap Kigen warned those who go for the money and fail to pay back claiming it is from politicians.
He said his office will work together with Uwezo fund to bring to books those who defaulted to compel them to return the money and be given to others as well.
He advised the groups to invest wisely to avoid being followed up by Uwezo officers for failing to repay their loans.
