Waiguru unveils Sh30m fund to empower residents start businesses

Governor Anne Waiguru at Kamiigua polytechnic grounds where she issued assistive devices to people with disabilities.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has established a County Empowerment and Development Fund to support residents to start income generating activities.

The fund that has already been allocated Sh30 million this financial year will support the vulnerable, including people living with disabilities, women, youth and other common interest groups.

Speaking at Kamiigua Polytechnic grounds where she launched a county football tournament and issued wheelchairs to persons living with disabilities, the governor said that the legal framework for the fund has already been passed by the county assembly, paving way for proper management of the fund.

“This fund is in line with my development agenda that aims to uplift residents’ living standards irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds,” Waiguru said.

As stipulated in the Kirinyaga County Empowerment and Development Act 2024, the objective of the fund is to empower residents through access to capital, training and development of innovative ideas in agriculture, sports and entrepreneurship entities.

Some of the assistive devices issued by Kirinyaga county government to people living with disabilities.

It will have an administrator and a committee composed of county officials and representatives from the five sub counties that will be responsible for the supervision, sensitisation on the fund and vet applications for funding.

“I want to thank the County Assembly for enabling the establishment and execution of the fund by passing the necessary laws as well as allocating funds in the current budget,” Waiguru said.

The governor said her administration is committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusivity and ensuring that no part of the society is left behind in development.

During the event, 30 people were issued with wheelchairs, with the governor noting that her office will be sourcing for more assistive devices to support more people with disabilities.

“Just recently, we issued more devices including wheelchairs, crutches, white canes, prosthetics and hearing aids. These devices enable people living with disabilities to participate in the county’s development agenda,” Waiguru added.

She also noted that people with disabilities who engage in business activities are exempted from levies as a way of encouraging them to venture into entrepreneurship.