Uwezo Fund boss seeks more funding as applications hit 48,000

PS Planning Peter Magiti (left) consults with Uwezo Fund CEO Wilfred Buyema during the sensitisation of members on how to acquire the fund.

NAIROBI: The Uwezo Fund Board is lobbying for increased funding to enable it to support more loan seekers. Acting Chief Executive Officer Wilfred Buyema expressed optimism that the Government will allocate an additional Sh1.45 billion in the next financial year (2015/2016).

This, he said, will enable it to fund more applicants as well as continue supporting the ongoing empowerment programmes for women, youth and persons with disabilities.

Addressing students and entrepreneurs at Tanganza University College in Karen during the leaders Guild Fund Knowledge Sharing Forum last week, Mr Buyema said applications for the Uwezo cash have been overwhelming. “With applicants totalling 48,000 groups, up from the initially planned 23,000 groups, to date the fund has disbursed Sh5.3 billion to 289 constituencies in Kenya,” he said at the event was organised by the university.

He said the kitty will continue to expand access to finances, aimed at boosting youth, women and persons with disabilities, businesses and enterprises at the constituency level. The event was attended by, among others, Tangaza University College Principal Father Steve Payne and Uwezo Board Director Caren Wakoli.