Sh5bn for youth projects released
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto during the launch of the Uwezo Fund on September 8, 2013. Youth in over 70 constituencies will this week receive cash for their projects as the government releases Sh5.3 billion for the Uwezo Fund. PHOTO/FILE
What you need to know:
- The recent poverty index and constituency population data were used to determine the sharing of the fund across the country.
- He further emphasized on the need for the youth, women and persons with disabilities to access funds in their respective constituencies through registered groups.
Youth in over 70 constituencies will this week receive cash for their projects as the government releases Sh5.3 billion for the Uwezo Fund.
This is part of the Sh6 billion to be disbursed to women and youth enterprises by the government.
All constituencies will get between Sh15 million and Sh31 million, with Mandera South being the beneficiary of the highest amount. Turkana West got Sh29 million, while Kinango was allocated Sh27 million.
Mandera North got Sh25 million, with Makueni, Banissa and Turkana North constituencies each getting Sh24 million.
Lunga Lunga was given Sh23 million.
DREAM BIG
The recent poverty index and constituency population data were used to determine the sharing of the fund across the country.
The Fund’s chief executive Wilfred Buyema said the board will this week disburse the funds to over 70 constituencies which have opened bank accounts.
“We are embarking on the first phase of the fund disbursement, we hope to release the first tranche by the end of this week,” Mr Buyema said.
He said all the 290 constituencies will eventually get their share once they meet all requirements.
He further emphasized on the need for the youth, women and persons with disabilities to access funds in their respective constituencies through registered groups
“It is hard to dream big at first, and if the youth take small steps first, eventually they realise that forming groups increases their capacity to harness their business as opposed to individualism,” the chief executive said.
Training of the targeted beneficiaries has kicked off in all the 47 counties ahead of the disbursement of the funds.
Said Mr Buyema: “The government has set up favourable self-employment policies allowing SMEs owned by youth, women and persons with disabilities to grow and flourish.”
The fund was launched by President Kenyatta last year to justify an election promise by his Jubilee coalition that Sh6 billion set aside in the event of a presidential election re-run would be given to the youth.
Sh31m
The highest amount, which was allocated to Mandera South constituency
Sh15m
Least amount to be allocated to constituencies
