Women, youths and people living with disabilities have been urged to apply for national government affirmative actions funds in order to set up meaningful businesses and ventures. Ever since the national government introduced the affirmative action funds, few people have fully taken advantage, with millions remaining unused. The affirmative action funds should produce diverse benefits and have well structured access, with the Uwezo fund beneficiaries given a 6-month grace period before commencement of repayment of their loans.
During a visit to Kakamega and Bungoma Counties this week, Gender, Youth and Public Service CAS Rachel Shebesh urged women, youths and PWDs to take advantage by joining groups and applying for the loans. She handed over Kshs 45 million to cater for the women and youth groups in Kakamega, and more than Kshs 35 million worth of cheques to groups in Bungoma County.
Speaking in Bungoma after meeting Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati and other officials, she revealed that around Kshs 89 million meant to benefit the youths is still unused in the banks, expressing her disappointment. However, she applauded the efforts of women in repaying loans saying they have always been on the forefront to ensure they work hard. Wangamati said more sensitization will be done to inform the youths on the importance of the loans, adding that few people apply for the loans in Bungoma, “In Kakamega, youths, women and people living with disabilities are taking double the amount of loans from these funds than us,” he said.