By JOSEPH MASHA
Kilifi ,Kenya:Government records in Bahari, Kilifi County show most youth groups have shunned loans advanced by the Youth Enterprise Fund.
Records from the District Youth and Sports offices in Kilifi show that out of Sh4 million which was allocated to benefit local youth through loans last year, only Sh1.1 million was loaned out and officials attributed it to ignorance but the youth claim they shun the money due to conditions associated with it.
According to the Kilifi District Youth Enterprise Fund officer William Sifa, 22 youth groups applied and were given Sh50,000 loans which cumulatively amounts to Sh1.1 million.
Speaking to The Standard during a visit to Sanya Youth group at Makata in Kikambala Division, which benefited with the Sh50,000 loan, he said Sh2.9 million remains uncollected at the offices.
“Bahari District was allocated with Sh4 million which was supposed to be loaned to youth in the area last year but up to the end of the year only Sh1.1 million had been taken leaving a balance of Sh2.9 million,” said Mr Sifa yesterday.
The officer further said a total of 21 youths were awarded individual loans of between Sh25,000 and Sh100,000 through the Government appointed financial intermediaries.
LACK OF SECURITY
Mr Josphat Chilango said lack of security to acquire the loans was still a challenge to the youth adding that a Sh50,000 loan to start a business given was too low.
District Youth officer Josyline Katunge said ignorance among the youth about the loans was a major obstacle to advancing the loans.
Kilifi County Commissioner Erastus Ekidor challenged the youth to refrain from joining criminal groups and instead form groups.
