Uwezo Fund to seek Parliament’s approval to support more groups

The Uwezo Fund board will seek to have its capacity increased when Parliament resumes next week so as to support more groups as demand for the money increases.

Speaking on Thursday during the disbursement of cheques to women and youth groups in Kibera, the Sh6 billion-fund CEO Wilfred Buyema said the board will make an appeal to the Ministry of Devolution for the money to be increased.

“Applicants are requesting for more funds. The board will seek requisition from the ministry so that it can do the necessary. We hope that when the request is tabled in Parliament it will be considered,” he said.

So far the Fund has disbursed Sh5.3 billion to 289 constituencies, except Kitui Rural which failed to meet all the requirements, he explained.

“The constituency delayed in meeting the requirements for gazettement.

"They have forwarded their list and its being considered for gazettement. The funds will be released thereafter for the accounts they would have opened,” said the CEO.

The fund was started with the aim of empowering women and youth countrywide.

At least 60 women and youth groups in Kibera benefitted from the fund after they were given cheques worth Sh6 million.

Around 120 groups applied for the fund but half failed to meet requirements, specifically training but can still apply again but after they meet the criteria, said Mr Buyema.

The groups received cheques of Sh50,000-100,000.

Kibra has received the highest allocation in Nairobi County, of Sh16 million said Mr Buyema.

“Groups which have applied can receive between Sh50,000 and Sh500,000. This amount will be increased with time,” he said.

Kibra MP Ken Okoth, who attended the event, said he would push for the Uwezo Fund to be allocated more money.

He applauded the government for introducing the fund that he said is changing the lives of thousands of people across the country and asked youth and women to take full advantage of it.