Uwezo Fund has disbursed Sh2.7 million to 22 youth and women groups in Kabuchai Constituency of Bungoma County to enable them start income generating activities to improve their living standards.
Speaking at Chwele Youth Empowerment centre on Thursday while issuing cheques to the youth and women groups, Western region Youth Affairs Coordinator Timothy Kajwang called on the beneficiaries to use the money they had received for the intended purpose.
Kajwang asked the beneficiaries to first conduct a feasibility survey so that they can put the money in viable income generating projects that will enable them repay the loans with ease and improve their living standards.
He encouraged youth groups from Bungoma County and Western region as a whole to be accountable and transparent when they receive the loans saying this will enable them pay the loans on time so that they can borrow more money in future.
“I wonder why the number of youth groups applying and qualifying for Uwezo Fund loans across the region is decreasing, I call on the youth to work as a team and look for projects that will enable them repay the loans without struggling,” said Kajwang.
He urged the youth to take advantage of the many opportunities the government has put in place including Youth Enterprise Development Fund, Women Enterprise Fund, Uwezo Fund and Access to Government Procurement opportunities to create self-employment and employ others instead of just lamenting and waiting for white collar jobs.
Speaking during the same function, Bungoma Central Deputy County Commissioner Dorcas Rono commended the government for coming up with youth programmes and projects including kazi mtaani which are empowering and keeping the youth busy and reducing the level of crime.
Rono asked the beneficiaries of Uwezo Fund loans and other government loans to make good use of the money saying they can engage in agribusiness and poultry keeping.
The DCC asked those groups that were defaulting paying the loans to make arrangements with the relevant offices on how to repay and warned that failure will lead to dire consequences given arm of the government is long.
By Maureen Imbayi
