By Benedict Ngetich
The national government through the State Department of Youth Affairs has disbursed over Ksh 8 million to Bureti sub-county youth groups to spur entrepreneurship and economic growth.
The 106 groups drawn from different locations within the area received cheques of between Ksh 50,000 to Ksh 400,000.
Speaking in his office, Bureti sub-county Youth Officer Emmanuel Kwambai said women, youth and persons with disability in the area received assistance through Uwezo Fund and Youth Enterprise Fund.
He added that during the 2019/2020 financial year, youth groups from the area received Ksh 3.930 million from Uwezo Fund and Ksh 5 million from Youth Fund.
He went on to add that many youth groups invest their money in table banking and a few opt for agricultural, service, trade or manufacturing ventures.
“The minimum amount a group can receive is Ksh 50,000 while the maximum is Ksh 1 million. If a group repays their loan on time, their limit is reviewed,” he added.
Kwambai said the loan attracts zero percent interest and groups receive a grace period of six months while the repayment period is 24 months.
He called on the youth to form self-help groups and seek government funds to enable them put up sustainable income generating projects for economic empowerment.
“I would also like to urge the youth to be pro-active and visit sub county offices to learn of various government opportunities available to them,” he added.
Chesang World Self-Help Group Chairman Josphat Korir said the group has received Ksh 400,000 from Uwezo Fund after repaying the first loan of Ksh 200,000 in 2014.
He expressed their commitment to repay the current loan within 20 months.
“I am happy that our group has received Ksh 400,000. Some of our 14 members are engaged in boda boda businesses while others operate motor vehicle garages.” Korir said.
