Youth in Busia County have been urged to apply for Youth Enterprise and Development Fund (YEDF), and use the funds to develop themselves, create more employment opportunities and improve their lives.
Speaking to Kenya News Agency, at their offices, Mr. Edgar Akide, area Assistant County Credit officer, urged youths at individual level or group to visit the office and apply for funds.
“I am urging the youths to visit our office to know how to apply and get these funds because this is their money,” Akinde said stating that this is the government intervention to ensure the youth develop themselves through engagements in business, farming and other income generating projects.
Akide also asked those who benefit with loans to ensure they pay the money on time to enable others to benefit.
“Making your payment on time gives you an advantage of increment in your loan limit. It will also help others to benefit from the money you have paid,” he said.
He added that the loan payment process has been positive whereby 70% of the loans taken have been paid well.
Another Assistant County Credit officer Mr. Silas Baraza said that most youth in the county have benefited from the program giving an example of Auki youth group in Samia Sub County which deal in textiles.
“This group deals in making school uniforms. We have given them funds and helped them to market their products. They have supplied uniforms to many schools including Butula boys and Sigalame high school,” he said.
Barasa said that Sh15 million has been issued so far in Busia County since the beginning of this financial year.
He also stated that most of the beneficiaries are from Matayos, followed by Samia and Nambale sub counties.
Mercy Wambui, an officer at YEDF said that the fund is for individuals aged between 18-34 years. “For the group to qualify for this loan, 70% of the members has to be youth,” Wambui explained adding that other requirements include being a Kenyan citizen, and having a business permit if the loan is meant for business.She at the same time said that they offer training before issuing out the loans to the youths.
Youth Enterprise and Development Fund aims at mainly creating self-employment for the youth across the country.
By Samuel Barasa
