North Imenti constituency has been ranked top in the country in the repayment of Uwezo fund standing at a record of 89.6 percent.
The Uwezo fund Director Wanjiku Muhato noted that it is encouraging to see the determination with the groups that have attained the percentage, urging them to aim to a high of 95 percent.
“Nationally, North Imenti has a repayment rate of 89.6 percent which is the highest in the whole country. You realize even with the banks there is no such repayment. When they get 80 percent, they are very happy. This is something commendable” she said.
Wanjiku spoke at the Imenti North NGCDF offices during the issuance of a KSh 8.23 million cheque meant for various groups from the constituency.
However, she regretted that Uwezo fund has in the past been criticized, with claims that the money is released but it’s impact is not felt on the ground.
“There are a lot of criticism over the fund, but today we are proud to have 35 groups that will be receiving refinancing funds. This is what we use to gauge how the funds are used so as to be able to see if we are achieving the goal and process more” said Wanjiku.
She added, “We are negotiating with the Central government to see how we can raise the funds to at least KSh 1 million. We are looking at our regulations to see how the groups that have graduated and repeatedly been refinanced with KSh 500 000 will benefit. But our laws does not allow us yet. Let’s ask our leaders at the National Assembly to help lobby for more”.
The director also noted that the training funds are also limited, saying that lack of training contributes to non repayment.
On his part, North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood applauded the groups that have benefited from uwezo fund for repaying in time.
“I want to thank all the groups that borrowed and repaid. You have made us proud. I call on more new groups to join so that no one is left behind” said Rahim.
He also called on the Uwezo fund board to consider initiating a CSR activity in his constituency as a motivation to other constituencies to support repayment from groups.
The MP further urged additional funding to groups from KSh 500 000 for those that have stagnated in borrowing the half a million.
“There are some groups that have severally borrowed from the kitty KSh 500 000 and have repaid. We want their funding raised even to KSh 1 million” said Rahim.
On a similar note, Meru Woman Representative Karambu Kailemia who also graced the occasion echoed her colleague for encouraging their members to repay so as to benefit more.
She promised to lobby in the National Assembly for more funding.
“We congratulate the groups that have continued to support their members in paying back. At the parliament, we are fighting for the increase of this fund to at least KSh 1 million” she said.
“Women Enterprise Fund is also facing challenges of being cut off. But we will fight so that it remains because it is helping our community. Let’s all take advantage of this money including the youth fund” she summed.
