Over 100 youth and women groups in Kanduyi and Sirisia constituencies have been issued with cheques worth Sh 11.5 million from Uwezo Fund.
Speaking while issuing the cheques at Kenya Red cross Hall in Kanduyi, Western Regional Coordinator for Youth Affairs, Timothy Kajwang called on the beneficiaries to use the money for the intended purposes so that they repay the loans with ease.
Kajwang commended the seven groups from Kanduyi constituencies which had repaid their first loans well and were now taking credit for the second time.
He said Sirisia constituency is at 53 percent repayment rate, while Kanduyi constituency was at 42percent and urged the beneficiaries to repay the loans within the stipulated period so that they can benefit from more funding.
He asked youths to take advantage of the affirmative action by applying for loans and repaying on time so that they can invest in income generating projects and improve on their living standards.
Kanduyi MP, Wafula Wamunyinyi who is the patron of the local Uwezo Fund said that since the inception of the kitty, Kanduyi constituency has disbursed Sh31 million.
Wamunyinyi called on more groups to apply for the loans saying after issuing cheques worth Sh.6.3 million, there was still over Sh5 million in the account which youth groups should apply for to improve their lives.
He also called on beneficiaries to be disciplined and use the money for the intended purposes saying should a conflict ensue they should resolve it within the group.
The MP cautioned youths against breaking apart after receiving the cash saying this money should be used wisely as it was a loan and not a grant.
One of the beneficiaries, Doreen Silas the secretary of Galilaya women group which has received Sh 75,000 said they are happy with the Uwezo Fund and they are going to invest the money wisely and repay on time so that they can apply for more.
By Maureen Imbayi
