Ten small-scale business groups in Thika West Sub-county that were adversely affected by Covid-19 were allocated Sh1.4million by the government in an effort to revive them.
The money channeled under Poverty Eradication Fund will see the groups, all from Thika’s informal settlements benefit with between Sh50, 000 and 250,000 to empower them financially. The funds will be repaid in 12 months.
Thika Sub county Social Development Officer Mercy Kinoti said the groups had between 10-20 members who were all small scale traders.
“The fund is a revolving fund and I appeal to the beneficiaries to repay to allow other groups to benefit,’’ she stressed.
“Also, there are so many things that the government is offering to registered groups, please register your groups and gain more,” she advised while issuing the cheques to beneficiaries.
Thika West Deputy County Commissioner, Mbogo Mathioya who attended the event encouraged groups to continue applying for government funds such as from Uwezo and Youth Enterprise Funds to empower them and uplift their living standards.
He also called on the beneficiaries to make good use of the funds to uplift their businesses.
“Put the funds into good use to lift up your businesses. Also make sure you repay the loan on time to enable other groups to benefit,” urged Mbogo. He asked the government to increase the funds in order to benefit more traders.
Some of the beneficiaries thanked the government for rescuing their enterprises that had almost collapsed.
“Our businesses suffered a lot since Covid-19 hit the country. The fund is a life saver to us and we hope it will boost our businesses and enable us become self-reliant,” said Joshua Maina, a beneficiary from Kiandutu Tumaini Self-Help Group.
By Maureen Kyalo
