Women’s groups in Vihiga County, Kenya, have received a total of Sh18.8 million from the Uwezo Fund and the Women Enterprise Fund (WEF). This funding aims to economically empower women in the region. The disbursement was made during the launch of a nationwide sensitization drive on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) held at Mbale Municipal grounds. The event was presided over by Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises CS Wycliffe Oparanya.
The funds comprise Sh4.55 million from the Uwezo Fund and Sh14.25 million from WEF. Uwezo Fund’s Head of Loans, Dr. Annie Njau, represented the CEO Peter Lengapiani during the launch. Dr. Njau pledged to support women, youth, and people with disabilities through trainings, capacity building, and access to financing by offering free interest loans. This initiative aims to enhance their development in various groups.
Since its inception in 2013/2014, the Uwezo Fund has disbursed a total of Sh8.4 billion to 84,921 groups across all 290 constituencies. These groups comprise 55,304 women groups, 27,443 youth groups, and 2,174 groups of people with disabilities. In Vihiga County, a total of Sh109,829,118 has been allocated for disbursement to 1,403 groups, including 962 women groups, 409 youth groups, and 32 groups of people with disabilities.
The allocation to Vihiga County has grown the region’s revolving fund to Sh133,512,000. Dr. Njau reported that the country’s loan repayment rate currently stands at Sh3.64 billion, translating into 45 percent. In Vihiga county, the repayment rate is Sh47,288,676 at 36 percent. She commended the Sabatia constituency for standing out in repayment at 42 percent.
The Emuhaya constituency emerged as the best in revolving the highest amount at Sh11 million. Dr. Njau urged all groups benefiting from government funding, especially the interest-free loans, to repay on time. This allows others to benefit from the same funds. She also called on the beneficiaries to use the money prudently and for the intended development projects to uplift their livelihoods.
Uwezo Fund has further issued Sh4.55 million to 40 groups in Vihiga County. Specifically, 16 groups in Hamisi Constituency received Sh2.15 million, while 24 groups in Vihiga Constituency received Sh2.4 million. The fund targets to support economic development and growth among women and other marginalized groups in the region.
The empowerment funds are expected to have a positive impact on the livelihoods of women in Vihiga County. The initiative aligns with the Kenyan government's efforts to support economic growth and development among women and marginalized groups.
Key points
- Women groups in Vihiga County receive Sh18.8 million for economic empowerment.
- Uwezo Fund disburses Sh4.55 million to 40 groups in Vihiga County.
- The funds aim to support women, youth, and people with disabilities through trainings, capacity building, and access to financing.
