60 women and youths groups get Uwezo Fund loans worth 5.56 million in Kibera constitution
By WANJALA B DANSON
Cheques worth Kenyan shillings 5,560,000 was today issued to 60 groups in a cheques giving event which took place at DC Grounds in kibera. In the event which brought together leaders from the County and National governments and the resident saw businesses groups injected with money to boosting their activities.
Uwezo Fund Oversight Board acting chief executive director Wilfred Buyema said in 120 groups who applied only 60 groups qualify to get fund from 70,000 to 100,000.
In an interview in with Star Shine Okwambo woman group, one of the beneficiaries of the Uwezo fund, the chairperson Elisabeth Okech said her group had received Ksh 100,000 which she said will boost the activities of the group.
Another beneficiary group, Style self-group which runs a cereal products project in the area had something to smile about. The received a cheque of Ksh 70,000 shillings from Uwezo funds. Sitienei Wilson, a member of the group says the money will increase productivity in their project by solving challenges they are facing. “The money will enable us to transport cereal from neighboring counties and distribute them easily to people in kibera,” he said.
John Elunyata, Kibera DC area requested residents not to fear taking Uwezo loans saying they can’t prosper in their business if residents are not willing to source capital from the government. He also encourages residents to engage in small businesses in the area. “Small businesses have returns just like big businesses. You don’t need huge money to start a business.”
He also encourage the finance department to increase the amount to siding recent economic developments like roads, security and huduma hospital which have boost business in kibera.
Area MP Ken Okoth apologized to the residents for the slow process which took a long time to allocate the funds due to parliamentary procedures and training of the groups.
A representative from Nairobi County Women Representative office Stella Kitonda advised residents to apply what they had learned in their training and incorporates skills in their businesses. She further requested them to repay the loan in time so that they can access Uwezo funds again.
Rose Veto, a nominated TNA Nairobi County assembly congratulated area member of Nation Assembly Ken Okoth for working close with the national government for the benefit of the people of kibera. She promised to that the County government is working hard to ensure clean water is making available to residents.
Karen Wakoli Uwezo Funds woman representative argued residents to use the funds well earn profit and then repay the loan back.
Leaders lamented about 16 million allocated to kibera arguing that the money is not enough to support businesses in kibera. “The fund should increase from 16 million to 60 million or 100 million for it to completely impact the area,” said MP Ken Okoth.
However, the issue of residents not applying for Uwezo funds came up. It was alleged that business persons in Kibera especial at Toi market and youths working in the matatu sector did not applied for the funds due to fearing the process may not be transparent or bad experience from previous credit providers.
On the other hand, 70 groups didn’t qualify for the funds because of not been registered and also lack of proper documentation necessary for awarding the funds.
In regard to this, Ken Okoth requested the County and Nation governments to put up a business registration service provider centre so that residents could easily register their businesses. These include Access to Government Opportunity (AGPO) which could make it easy for youths and women groups in the area for apply for government tenders.
A total of Ksh 260 was allocated to Nairobi County.