Tana River Governor Major (Rtd) Dhadho Godhana says his county government has released Sh. 75 million from the Sh 400 million-rich Inuka Fund to help small traders/businessmen mainly targeting women, youth and disable persons improve on their business.
Addressing a gathering yesterday at Bura Trading Centre of Tana North Sub County, Governor Godhana called on those who were going to benefit from the kitty to promptly repay the loans in order to allow others benefit from the Fund.
The Governor said the Inuka Fund Kitty is targeting the marginalised groups because majority of them do not benefit from other Funds therefore, it is in the interest of the County Government of Tana River to empower them to manage small retail shops, salons, fish shops and buy and sell sheep and goats.
He said, “Am calling on you to repay the loans that have no interest rate so that many small traders can grow in business as the name of the Fund indicate INUKA.”
Governor Godhana also said when many traders repay the loans, more money would be released from the Inuka Fund Kitty noting that if they do not repay, there would be no further funding.
He said cases of none repayment have been found from other lending agencies in the County such as Tana River County Teachers SACCO where Sh165 million has not been repaid, Youth Fund Sh 9million, and former Tana River District Joint Loans Board has Sh 22million outstanding.
The Governor noted that if such problem would be noticed within Inuka Fund, no more would be given out after the Sh75million that has already been released.
Speaking at the same meeting, Tana River County government Director of Trade Mr. Elisha Buya said during the financial year 2022/2023, the County government has set aside Sh120 million for the construction of traders’ markets in Madogo, Bura, Garsen and Kipini.
Buya said many traders had been experiencing challenges during rainy days for lack of shelter for their products hence the County government was now addressing those challenges to assist the traders in the County.
By Simon Guruba
