Women fail to repay loans

By Vitalis Kimutai

Forty women groups in Uasin Gishu County have defaulted in repayment of Sh3.1 million advanced to them by the Government through the Women Enterprise Fund (WEF).

In Eldoret South, 21 women groups have failed to repay Sh1 million which they received in 2008 while 19 groups in Eldoret North have not repaid Sh2.1 million advanced to them.

"Women groups in Eldoret South repaid Sh81,000 while those in Eldoret North repaid Sh204,000," Stanley Wainaina, the chief executive officer of WEF, said.

Mr Wainaina said Eldoret East constituency had some of the best performing women groups under the fund and asked those from neighbouring constituencies to borrow a leaf from them.

Money used well

"Out of the Sh2 million which 43 groups in Eldoret East were allocated, they have repaid Sh1.1 million. None has defaulted. It is encouraging to note the groups have put the money into good use and are able to repay on time," Wainaina said at Eldoret Municipal Council Hall when Gender Minister Naomi Shaban and Permanent Secretary James Nyikal held a meeting with members of various self-help groups in the area.

He said 19 more groups in the constituency have applied to be allocated Sh1 million. He said the money would soon be released to the groups.

Dr Shaban told women and youths to join cooperative societies and get loans to start various businesses and uplift their standards of living. She said youths from vulnerable backgrounds would be given priority in enlistment to the National Youth Service. The minister said Sh400 million had been set aside as grants to the disabled to assist them start income generating projects.

Prof Jackline Oduor, the secretary children’s affairs, Prof Collette Suda the secretary gender and social development, the director, Deputy Chief Economist Esther Ndirangu and Eastern Rift Valley Regional Deputy Provincial Commissioner Wanyama Musiambo accompanied the minister.

Prof Odour said children’s homes that do not meet the set standards would be closed.