Sh2.3 million from the Uwezo Fund has been distributed to 33 groups drawn from Kiharu constituency.
The disbursed amount that benefited 30 new women and youth groups and three groups that have initially benefited from the kitty is part of Sh18 million of Uwezo Fund allocated for the constituency in the current financial year.
The constituency Uwezo Fund chairperson, Ms Tabitha Kanyungu said the kitty so far has distributed about 45 percent of the amount allocated for Kiharu.
She said the loans are interest-free and are aimed at empowering groups at the grassroots through access to affordable financing.
“We are proud to announce that these loans have reached 33 organized groups in Kiharu, and we are continuing to process more applications. This initiative is guided by affirmative action to ensure that women, youth and persons with disabilities get access to financial resources,’’ said Ms Kanyungu as she distributed the cheques in Murang’a township ward on friday.
She further noted that measures are in place to ensure the groups undergo training in capacity building so as to equip them with the necessary skills for managing and growing their businesses.
“We are not just giving out money, we want these groups to be sustainable. That is why we are doing training sessions on how to manage finances, proper record keeping, and grow their enterprises,” She added.
On her part, the county director of youth Ms Trizah Wanjiku urged various groups not to shy away from borrowing funds from the Uwezo Fund.
The loans, she noted, are interest free and are intended to spur economic development at the grassroots.
Wanjiku further Wanjiku also took the opportunity to sensitize the groups on the Nyota Programme, a World Bank-funded initiative targeting to empower youth and support their training.
“The Nyota programme runs for five years and includes three components: vocational training, business startup support and facilitation of national exams.
“Once training is complete, certificates are issued through the National Industrial Training Authority for those who have qualified,” She added.
The initiative, she observed, is part of the broader government agenda to tackle youth unemployment by equipping young people with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge.
Beneficiaries of the Uwezo loans expressed gratitude, noting that the funding will go a long way in improving their livelihoods and community development.
By Bernard Munyao and Yvonne Mawia
