Varsity students urged to apply for seed capital from Uwezo Fund

Uwezo Fund has urged University students to prepare their career plans while still at campus by taking up loans to venture into businesses.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Wilfred Buyema told Kenyatta University students that the loans can serve as their seed capital. Speaking at the event themed, ‘Developing a Competitive edge in Corporate World: ‘What employers Look for, Entrepreneurship, Opportunities for the Youth through Uwezo Fund and the Youth Fund, Buyema told students to apply for funds, noting that the board only issues loans to registered institutions with preference to youth and women groups.

The loans range between Sh50,000 and Sh500,000. He spoke this at the invitation of Kenyatta University Economics Students Association, when he officiated a Careers Day at the University’s School of Economics. Buyema told students to inculcate individual personal brand by developing and nurturing professionalism, ethical and moral values.

He urged varsity students to be independent as well as show commitment as they prepare their career and exit plans from the university.

Job integrity

He said professionalism and ethical values play a big role in shaping careers and brands . “Don’t pay to get a job. Do not compromise your morals or integrity to get a job. It is not right. Insist on your ethics and integrity and you will manage to achieve your goals,” Buyema told the students.

The acting chief executive ‘s address highlighted on the Uwezo Fund Board mandate and programmes aimed at increasing loans uptake, particularly from the youth.

So far, Sh5.354 billion allocations has been disbursed to constituencies while Sh3.6 billion has been approved for loaning to groups to 290 constituencies. Buyema advised students to see business capital for entrepreneurship early.