The County Government of Makueni through the Department of Gender and Social Services has set aside Sh160 million under the Makueni County Empowerment Fund (MCEF) aimed at benefitting women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in an effort to empower them economically and improve their livelihoods.
The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Gender Eng. Sabastian Kyoni reported this during a public Engagement Forum for Anti-GBV Champions at Makueni Integrated Vocational and Education Center (MIVEC).
Eng. Kyoni, said the funds will be disbursed through organized groups to support beneficiaries in starting or expanding income-generating activities with a view to make them self-reliant hence combat poverty afflicting many.
However, he noted that the applicants that owe money to funds like Hustler, or Tetheka, should first clear before applying for another loan that will be accessed digitally through their phones.
“The county government has established fund of Sh160 million to give loans to women, youths and persons with disabilities to enable them to improve their livelihoods through economic empowerment,” said Kyoni.
“To qualify for the loan programme, applicants must clear any outstanding balances from previous loans like the hustler and Tetheka funds,” he added.
Kyoni revealed that Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr has appointed an additional Chief Officer (CO) to the department of Gender, Youth, Sports and Social Services in a move aimed at enhancing service delivery and improving efficiency.
“The appointment splits the departments leadership responsibilities between two chief officers allowing better co-ordination and implementation of programmes targeting gender equality, youth, sports and social protection across the county,” Kyoni said.
He also said the Governor had directed another round of Huduma Mashinani to be conducted in every ward to register residents who missed the previous exercise and that the county would offer marriage registration services to couples seeking official registration during the outreach programme.
By Felister Ndinda
