At least 70 self-help groups in Maragua Constituency got a major boost after receiving Sh7.3 million from the Uwezo Fund kitty for the empowerment of vulnerable groups.
Speaking during the disbursement exercise at Igikiro in Kamahuha ward, Maragua MP Mary Wamaua said 72 groups had successfully applied for the funds, with allocations ranging from Sh50,000 for first-time applicants to Sh350,000 for well-performing groups.
She noted that most of the beneficiaries were women groups, alongside six youth groups, which were already running income-generating projects such as poultry keeping, goat rearing, and beekeeping.
“This year we have released Sh7.38 million. Last year we gave out Sh5.4 million,” She noted adding the groups have maintained low default rates and thus continued to grow their funding.
“Some groups are benefiting for the first time, while others are receiving refinancing because they have demonstrated good management as our aim is to empower communities at the grassroots,” said Wamaua
She reaffirmed her commitment to supporting women and youth groups in Maragua. “Our goal is to see families empowered, livelihoods improved, and our people economically independent as that is the vision behind Wezesha Vikundi, Inua Jamii,” she said.
Uwezo Fund Board Chair Ann Njuguna lauded Maragua Constituency for its impressive repayment rate of 81 percent, urging other regions with lower performance to emulate its groups.
She revealed that nationally, the revolving fund now stands at more than Sh5 billion circulating through groups countrywide. “We have given out over Sh7.3 million in Maragua Constituency today, and nationally more than Sh5 billion is circulating through groups,” Njuguna said.
This fund, she added, is transforming lives by helping women, youth, and persons with disabilities to start income-generating projects, improve their welfare, and reduce poverty at the grassroots. She called on Kenyans with no stable income to form groups, register, and apply for the fund to improve their livelihoods.
“The fund comes with no interest, and repayment starts only after six months,” she said adding: “I urge all constituencies to emulate Maragua’s performance so that more vulnerable Kenyans can access these resources.”
Among the top beneficiaries was the Iyotha Widow Women Group, chaired by Esther Wambui Waweru, which received the highest allocation of Sh350,000.
The group was formed over ten years ago by 30 widows who came together with the aim of being self-reliant and supporting each other after losing their spouses.
Over the years, the membership has reduced to 10 active members, but their determination has remained strong.
They started small, buying household assets such as water tanks and chairs for hire.
Later, they benefitted from a Sh20,000 grant, which enabled them to start table banking and grow their kitty.
Since then, they have received Uwezo Fund allocations four times, beginning with Sh100,000 and now rising to the current Sh350,000, which they are confident they will repay.
“With this amount, we will uplift ourselves even further,” said Wambui.
Another beneficiary is Kariani Thayu Self-Help Group. The chairperson Eliud Mwaura said his 18-member group started in 2015 as a merry-go-round before venturing into table banking. “We began with only Sh50 contributions, but today each member has a stake of Sh2,000. We borrow Sh1,000 and repay with Sh100 interest to boost our kitty,” Mwaura said.
“The Sh50,000 we have received will strengthen our table banking, allowing members to borrow more and support their families.
Notably, he said that every December they ensure that the members enjoy Christmas comfortably through group savings.
Also present was the county woman representative Betty Maina who called on beneficiaries to remain disciplined to ensure the fund benefits future generations.
by Florence Kinyua
