Uhuru urges MPs to pass Uwezo Fund law

President Kenyatta has urged MPs to speed up the law that will regulate the Uwezo Fund, noting that the delay was holding back disbursement of the cash.

Speaking in Murang’a town on Tuesday after the launch of a stipend for old people, orphans and the disabled, the President said already eight months had passed and the youth and women were still waiting for the funds.

He stated that the Sh6 billion fund is aimed at empowering women and the youth.

Soon after the launch of Uwezo Fund last year, politics surrounded the legislation of the fund and in early November, the President urged MPs to stop complicating the process.

However, National Assembly Majority leader Aden Duale said the President and his government had done their part.

“The law is in Parliament and we should not blame the President, it is the MPs who are yet to play their rightful role,” said Mr Duale.

The lawmaker said once the House resumes next Tuesday, their first agenda will be to pass the Uwezo Fund regulation.

“The only thing I will tell your Excellency and the people of Murang’a is that we Jubilee leaders both in the Senate and the National Assembly we will provide the necessary laws for the President and his deputy to fulfil the promises they made to Kenyans,” he said.

The fund was born from a campaign pledge that the Sh6 billion set aside for a run-off would be given to the youth and women if Jubilee won.