Twenty-one community groups in Emgwen Constituency have received Sh2.8 million from the Uwezo Fund to support entrepreneurship and strengthen their income-generating activities.
The groups, drawn from the constituency’s four wards, received the cheques on Wednesday after completing a three-day training programme focused on entrepreneurship, financial management, group leadership, accountability and sustainable investment.
The training was organised by the Constituency Uwezo Fund Management Committee (CUFMC) in collaboration with the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Authority (MSEA) and the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF).
Fourteen of the beneficiary groups were accessing the interest-free loans for the first time, receiving amounts ranging from Sh50,000 to Sh100,000. Seven others were repeat beneficiaries who had previously received financial support and were returning to the Fund after demonstrating progress in their enterprises.
Emgwen MP Josses Lelmengit said the loans, which are repayable within 12 to 24 months, were intended to help residents establish sustainable sources of income rather than depend entirely on formal employment.
Lelmengit urged the beneficiaries to use the funds prudently and invest in viable ventures capable of generating regular income.
He said the training was an important component of the programme because it equipped beneficiaries with practical skills to make informed decisions on how to utilise the funds and manage their enterprises.
“The money should be used for the purpose for which it was given and invested in projects that can generate income for the members,” he said.
The MP advised repeat beneficiaries to use the additional funding to expand their existing businesses and increase their earnings, while first-time beneficiaries should establish strong foundations for their enterprises and avoid diverting the funds to non-productive activities.
He said organised community groups were an important avenue for improving livelihoods, particularly among young people, women and persons with disabilities seeking opportunities to participate in economic activities.
Lelmengit encouraged the groups to maintain proper financial records, operate transparently and work collectively to ensure their enterprises remain sustainable.
He also urged beneficiaries to regularly evaluate their businesses and identify areas requiring improvement so that the financial support could translate into tangible benefits for members.
The three-day training equipped the groups with knowledge on entrepreneurship, financial management, accountability and group leadership.
The sessions were designed to help beneficiaries understand how to plan their businesses, manage finances, make sound investment decisions and work together towards achieving their objectives.
Lelmengit said the collaboration between the CUFMC, MSEA and YEDF was intended to strengthen both the financial and technical support available to community groups.
He said access to affordable financing alone was not sufficient to guarantee successful enterprises, noting that beneficiaries also required appropriate skills and knowledge to manage their investments.
The groups are expected to channel the funds into income-generating activities contained in their approved project proposals.
The ultimate goal, Lelmengit said, was to strengthen the economic capacity of beneficiaries, improve household incomes and enable members to become more financially independent.
He cautioned beneficiaries against viewing the support as a financial handout, saying the programme was designed to help residents establish enterprises that could grow, create employment and contribute to the local economy.
The MP called on the groups to demonstrate accountability and ensure that the funds are invested in productive ventures that would generate sustainable returns.
He said successful enterprises would not only improve the welfare of individual group members but also contribute to economic activity within Emgwen Constituency.
By Sammy Mwibanda
