Hearing-impaired youth in Vihiga County have been encouraged to take advantage of government financing programmes to grow businesses, improve livelihoods and achieve economic independence.
The call was made during an empowerment forum organised by the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) at Gambogi Fellowship Centre grounds, where members of the Hamisi hearing-impaired group were sensitized on access to affordable credit, group formation requirements and financial management.
The forum brought together 12 members of the group, who have been working collectively through income-generating activities aimed at improving their economic wellbeing despite challenges associated with disability and limited access to financial opportunities.
Speaking during the engagement, Vihiga County Youth Fund Credit Officer Cleophas Odhiambo Omanya said the Fund is committed to ensuring that marginalised groups, including persons living with disabilities, benefit from government empowerment programmes.
Omanya said registered youth groups can access loans starting from Sh100,000, with opportunities to qualify for higher amounts depending on their repayment record.
He explained that the funds are designed to support small enterprises, including retail businesses, agribusiness ventures and service-related activities, enabling young people to create sustainable sources of income.
“We want every young person, including those living with disabilities, to understand that they can access financial support to improve their lives and contribute to economic development,” Omanya said.
Assistant County Credit Officer William Osundwa urged members of the group to maintain unity, trust and accountability, noting that collective responsibility is essential for the success of funded enterprises.
Osundwa revealed that the Hamisi hearing-impaired group had demonstrated strong financial discipline after successfully repaying their first loan of Sh100,000 per member within one year.
He said the achievement had qualified the members to access a second loan of Sh200,000 each, payable within 18 months through a structured repayment plan of Sh11,200 monthly.
The payments, he added, are made through the government’s e-Citizen platform to enhance transparency and accountability in loan management.
Osundwa further noted that beyond financial support, the Youth Enterprise Development Fund provides beneficiaries with mentorship and entrepreneurship training to strengthen their skills in business planning, financial management and investment decisions.
The empowerment session was conducted through sign language interpretation by Nicholas Ogango, allowing participants to fully engage in discussions and seek clarification on various aspects of the programme.
Hamisi Hearing-Impaired Group Vice Chairperson Derrick Mahaya said the initiative had opened opportunities for members who previously faced difficulties accessing capital due to communication barriers and limited information about available support programmes.
Mahaya said the group had embraced table banking and collective saving, enabling members to establish small businesses such as vending and retail enterprises.
“We have come from far. Many of us had ideas but lacked capital. With this support, we will grow our businesses, support our families and become financially independent,” he said.
He appealed to stakeholders to continue developing inclusive financial products and capacity-building programmes tailored to the needs of persons living with disabilities.
Members of the group highlighted challenges including limited access to capital, communication barriers and inadequate exposure to business opportunities.
However, they expressed optimism that continued support from the Youth Enterprise Development Fund would help them expand their ventures and improve their living standards.
The officials also guided participants on loan application procedures, including group registration, proposal writing, savings requirements and responsible borrowing practices.
The forum marks a step towards strengthening economic inclusion for hearing-impaired youth in Vihiga County as the government continues to promote programmes aimed at reducing unemployment, encouraging entrepreneurship and enhancing financial independence among young people.
By Crispinus Ivan
