The Community Poverty Eradication Committee (CPEC) in Migori County has disbursed loans worth Sh1.2 million to various community self-help groups in Suna East and Suna West constituencies, amid growing concerns over inadequate funding and a surge in applications from groups seeking financial support.
Speaking during the disbursement exercise, CPEC Chairperson Bishop Esau Jobando said the government-funded programme was initiated to empower grassroots community groups through affordable loans aimed at fighting poverty and boosting small-scale economic activities.
Jobando noted that the latest disbursement marked the third cycle of the programme since he assumed office, adding that the initiative has continued to positively impact groups engaged in table banking, small businesses, farming and other income-generating ventures.
“We provide loans to self-help community groups to empower them economically at the grassroots level. The groups repay the money within one year, and the funds revolve to benefit other applicants,” he said.
However, the chairperson expressed concern over the increasing demand for loans compared to the limited funds allocated to the programme.
“The challenge we are facing is that the money within our docket is very little. We have many community groups applying for assistance, but we cannot support all of them due to insufficient funding,” Jobando lamented.
He appealed to relevant government agencies and leaders responsible for public resources to consider increasing allocations to the poverty eradication fund to enable more vulnerable groups to benefit.
“The amount we are operating on is too little to widen the scope of assistance to deserving groups. If more funds are allocated, many self-help groups will improve their livelihoods,” he added.
On transparency, Jobando emphasized that all applications undergo thorough scrutiny by committee officials before approval, ensuring fairness and accountability.
“We ensure transparency throughout the process. All applications are carefully reviewed before funds are disbursed,” he said.
Suna East Social Development Officer Margaret Gachenge said the department remains committed to empowering community groups through registration, mentorship and financial support to help them expand their businesses.
Gachenge revealed that about 10 groups successfully received loans during the latest disbursement after meeting the required qualifications.
“We are focusing on empowering registered groups so that they can achieve economic stability. Most beneficiaries have managed to repay their loans within the agreed 12-month period,” she said.
She added that priority is given to groups with valid and updated registration certificates from the e-Citizen platform, while ensuring fair representation across wards in Suna East and Suna West.
“For groups applying for a second or third cycle, we consider their repayment history before increasing their loan limits,” she explained.
One of the beneficiaries, Pamela Mwabe, praised the programme for transforming livelihoods among youth and women groups in the area.
Mwabe said her group had benefited from the loans three times, enabling members to venture into poultry farming, brick making and agriculture.
“The first loan helped me start poultry farming. Later, I invested in brick making, and now I am successfully engaged in farming. This programme has greatly improved our lives,” she said.
She encouraged other community members to take advantage of the initiative by investing wisely in manageable businesses that can generate returns and ease repayment.
“Before taking a loan, one should have a clear plan on how to invest the money. Start small and grow gradually,” she advised.
By Polycarp Ochieng and George Agimba
