The Kiambu government will partner with banks to roll out a programme where residents will access loans to start businesses, Governor James Nyoro has said.
Speaking at the county government headquarters in Kiambu town, Nyoro said his administration seeks to ensure every household has about 10 kienyeji chickens or in any other agricultural and livestock venture.
"As the government, we should be able to buy day-old chicks and have women in the county trained on how to breed. After five weeks, the government will buy the chickens and give them to another beneficiary for breeding and sale. There are many opportunities in the rural areas but there is no money," Nyoro noted.
The governor said they have approached banks to give loans in an arrangement to be subsidised by the county government.
"Since the interest rates are at 13 per cent, the county government will pay six per cent for the farmer and offer security," he said.
Nyoro said they will rollout the programme as soon as possible so that women who want to venture into any business can do so with ease.
"We will come to train you through a business development service programme where a lawyer comes in to inform you on how to pay the interest rates, an accountant comes in to inform you on record keeping and then a technical person gives information on technicality of the business venture one is involved in," Nyoro said.
Once people are financially empowered, he said, they will be able to do more economically.
The governor noted all the 60 wards should have a women project to help area residents.
"International organisations are coming in to ask us where they can help," he said.
He urged the people of Kiambu to focus on development ahead of polls and be wary of people who will drag the county behind.
"Kiambu people should not allow people who have stolen from them to come back again to say that they want to lead them yet they did not empower them financially and have not yet returned the alleged stolen money," Nyoro said.
Nyoro however said that although job placements have been a challenge in the country, youths should consider agribusiness as it offers many opportunities that also contribute to food security for the county.
