Utilize Devolved Funds Well, Governor Ongwae

Addressing women groups in Kisii town, Ongwae noted that the funds were not benefiting residents.

He further noted that while little was heard of the Youth Development and Uwezo Funds, the women Enterprise Fund had disbursed a total of Ksh 126M loans since its establishment 10 years ago which he termed as unacceptable because of the existing potential  in the county in terms of  population.

The Governor accused the fund’s management for not running sensitization programmes to the women on the need to apply for loans.

According to him, challenges facing the women in the county  include fear of loans, cultural barriers and financial illiteracy which can be tackled if the fund was keen on educating them adequately.

REGISTERED WOMEN GROUPS

Ongwae said his administration will intervene and empower women wishing to apply for tenders from the county government.

But in a quick rejoinder, the Funds Acting Chief Executive Officer Charles Mwirigi said that a total of Ksh4.2 million was disbursed to 34 registered women groups in Kisii County.

Mwirigi further appealed to the women not to fear taking loans for their repayment plan is applaudable.

Also in attendance were Maendeleo ya Wanawake Chairlady Kisii branch Bethsheba Sanaya, officer in charge of loans at Women Enterprise Fund Clara Momanyi and other women leaders who in one accord called for sensitization on the loans.

By Wangui Ngechu