By John Majau
Cabinet Secretary Margaret Kobia has asked women and youths to apply for loans from the government empowerment funds kitty.
Speaking at Kinoru Methodist of Kenya (MCK) Church where she issued Sh9.15million to women groups from the Women Development Enterprise Fund kitty, Kobia said the money will empower and transform the lives of residents.
She asked them to apply for loans from the various government affirmative action fund kitties for business so as to create wealth and employment.
Various youth and women groups have benefited from the four national governments affirmative funds agencies namely the Women Enterprise Development Fund, Youth Enterprise Development Fund, Uwezo Fund and National Government Affirmative Action Fund.
CS Kobia said disbursement of funds depends on the number of people who apply and repay the cash loaned to them and assured them that President Uhuru Kenyatta was working to economically empower Kenyans.
“The government is aware that we cannot empower our people without money and that is why the President ensured that these funds are issued to various groups,” she said.
The Public Service, Youth and Gender CS called on development groups to partner with the government in empowering the people economically.
Central Imenti District County Commissioner (DCC) Titus Kilonzo called on women and youths to use the government funds prudently.
He appealed to women and youths to register groups for them to access the government affirmative funds, while Central Imenti MP Kirima Nguchine lauded Kobia for empowering women in the community.
Nguchine however warned residents to be wary of those lying to them and spreading political propaganda urging them not to repay the money borrowed.
“When I became the MP I found people had been told that they should not pay the money because it belongs to the Member of Parliament. I had to involve local authorities to educate people,” said Nguchine noted.
North-Imenti MP Rahim Dawood asked residents to support BBI Bill and told Kenyans to shun propaganda that President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration was not helping them.
“Leaders have been claiming that Uhuru has not done anything and yet he has given us women and youth funds, roads and electricity. He has even appointed two cabinet Secretaries from our County,” Dawood said.
