Women’s groups in Vihiga County have received Sh18.8 million from Uwezo Fund and Women Enterprise Fund (WEF), aimed at empowering them economically.

The women’s groups received Sh4.55 million from the Uwezo Fund and Sh14.25 million from WEF Friday during the launch of a nationwide sensitization drive on MSMEs presided over by the Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises CS Wycliffe Oparanya at Mbale Municipal grounds.

Speaking during the launch, Uwezo Fund’s Head of Loans, Dr. Annie Njau, representing CEO Peter Lengapiani, pledged to support women, youth and people with disabilities through trainings, capacity building, while offering them access to financing by giving them free interest loans to enhance their development in their various groups.

Dr Njau highlighted that since the inception of Uwezo Fund in 2013/2014 a total of Sh8.4 billion has been disbursed to 84,921 groups across all the 290 constituencies comprising of 55,304 women groups, 27,443 youth groups and 2,174 groups of PWDs.

The CEO said so far Sh109,829,118 had been allocated for disbursement to 1,403 groups in Vihiga County, including 962 women groups, 409 youth groups and 32 groups of PWDs, growing the region’s revolving fund to Sh133,512,000.

Dr Njau further said the country’s loan repayment rate currently stands at Sh3.64 billion, translating into 45 per cent, while that of Vihiga county is Sh47, 288,676 at 36 percent.

She commended the Sabatia constituency for standing out in repayment at 42 per cent, while the Emuhaya constituency emerged as the best in revolving of the highest amount at Sh11 million.

The CEO urged all groups benefiting from government funding, especially the interest-free loans, to repay on time so that others can benefit from the same funds.

Dr. Njau also called on the beneficiaries to use the money prudently and for the intended development projects in order to uplift their livelihoods.

Meanwhile, Uwezo Fund has further issued Sh4.55 million to 40 groups in Vihiga County with 16 groups in Hamisi Constituency receiving Sh2.15 million, while 24 groups in Vihiga Constituency’s received Sh2.4 million.

By Maureen Imbayi and Benadette Owade