MURANG’A: Women groups in Kiharu Constituency, Murang’a County, have received a significant financial boost with Uwezo Fund cheques totalling Sh22.9 million. The initiative, overseen by county Women Representative Betty Maina, aims to support income-generating projects and empower women in the region.

According to Kenya News Agency, During a ceremony in Murang’a town, four groups each received Sh200,000, while others accessing the fund for the first time obtained between Sh60,000 and Sh160,000. Maina commended the groups for their 50 percent repayment rate, highlighting the fund’s successful impact in the constituency.

The Uwezo Fund, coordinated through MPs’ offices and women representatives, focuses on enhancing organized groups’ economic activities. Maina cautioned beneficiaries against misusing the funds, urging them to invest in viable projects, particularly in agriculture.

“With ample rains currently in the county, groups could explore horticulture or grow fodder and vegetables, making agriculture-related projects a viable option,” Maina suggested. She encouraged residents, especially youth and women, to form or join groups to access Uwezo Fund and other government-provided financial resources.

The Kenya Kwanza government, as Maina stressed, is committed to supporting small and medium enterprises. Access to various government funds, including the Youth Fund, is facilitated through group involvement. In the same event, a youth group and two individuals received a total of Sh4.7 million from the Youth Fund, recognizing their successful business operations.

Maina’s initiative underscores the government’s dedication to fostering community-driven economic growth and supporting entrepreneurial ventures among women and youth in Murang’a.