Beneficiaries of Uwezo Fund have repaid Sh.1 billion out of the total Sh.5 billion disbursed countrywide, since inception of the fund in 2013.
The Head of Uwezo Fund Secretariat, Peter Lengapiani said the Sh.1 billion represents 34.2 percent repayment rate of the funds loaned to 65, 325 groups for youth, women and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
In a speech read on his behalf by a member of the Secretariat, Muindi Mutisya on Friday during distribution of cheques worth Sh.5 million to 61 groups in Makueni constituency, Lengapiani said women topped the list of applicants for the fund.
“The money was distributed to 40, 883 women groups, 22,717 youth groups and 1,720 PWDs groups reaching 995,363 individual beneficiaries,” he said.
The head of secretariat added that a total of Sh.362 million has been revolved and urged the target groups to embrace entrepreneurship and take up the funds to earn a living.
“I urge the target groups to take up the opportunities provided by Uwezo fund and start income generating activities that can not only uplift themselves but also the entire community,” said Lengapiani
He appealed to beneficiaries to repay the loans promptly to enable more Kenyans access the funds and ensure sustainability of the programme.
The head of the Uwezo Fund secretariat said the government was committed to ensuring that marginalized populations access opportunities that will enable them realize their fullest potential.
By Roselyne Kavoo/Neema Nzioki
