BUSIA—Susan Mangeni, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), expressed concerns about the low uptake of credit facilities in Busia County, highlighting challenges in accessing government funds intended to boost local businesses.
According to Kenya News Agency, during the dissemination of the Fourth Medium-Term Plan in Busia town, the Youth Fund, despite being available for nearly 15 years, has seen less than Sh100 million disbursed in the area, with a national disbursement totaling Sh15 billion. She noted similarly low figures for the Uwezo Fund, which has disbursed Sh90 million in the same period. The recent Hustler Fund showed a distribution of Sh120 million to Teso South, Sh110 million to Teso North, and lesser amounts to other sub-counties, totaling significant disbursements across the region.
Despite the low uptake, Mangeni reported high repayment rates, with percentages in the seventies for most areas, indicating responsible borrowing behaviors among those who do access the funds. She emphasized the need for more residents to engage with these credit opportunities to foster economic growth and reduce poverty in Busia.
During the same event, Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Youth Affairs, and the Arts, Ababu Namwamba, assured residents of the government’s commitment to development projects, including the construction of the Port Victoria Coastguard facility to enhance security on Lake Victoria and protect local fishermen from external pressures.
Namwamba also highlighted government efforts to promote local sports through the training of coaches and referees, and plans to establish three sports academies and an athletics training center in the county. These initiatives aim to tap into the local youth’s potential and support their development through sports.
The discussions in Busia reflected a focused government effort to enhance local economic and social development through strategic investments in credit facilities and infrastructure improvements, urging local officials and citizens to leverage these resources for communal benefit.