Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Kilifi county are reaping the benefits of the county’s revolving fund, which many beneficiaries have described as a lifeline for economic empowerment.
On Wednesday, 105 groups comprising women, youth and persons living with disabilities received Sh25 million in interest-free loans in Kilifi town.
The fund, run by the county government, seeks to uplift small businesses and create wealth among residents.
Kilifi Trade executive Raymond Ngala said business groups received Sh133 million last year, and the county has now shifted to monthly disbursements to reach more residents.
“We encourage more people to venture into business and take advantage of these loans so we can create wealth in Kilifi,” Ngala said.
Kilifi Trade chief officer Lynn Farrah said the initiative, initially known as Mbegu Fund, was restructured through the county assembly to eliminate bottlenecks that hindered access.
She said the Wezesha Fund has recorded a 90 per cent repayment rate.
“Some beneficiaries have cleared both Mbegu and Wezesha loans and are now taking their third tranche,” she said.
“Women groups are running poultry projects, table banking, and even slaughterhouses.”
The impact is already evident on the ground.
Patrick Ngonyo, a butcher from Jilore ward in Malindi subcounty, said a Sh200,000 loan enabled him to open a slaughterhouse that now supplies meat to 15 butcheries in Malindi.
Having repaid his first loan, he has already secured a second one.
“I am now a wholesaler of meat. The fund has truly transformed my business,” Ngonyo said.
Another beneficiary, Maureen Pendo from Ganze subcounty, leads a 20-member women’s group engaged in poultry farming and table banking.
Her group successfully repaid a Sh150,000 loan and has since applied for another.
“The fund has changed our economic lives. We thank the county government for supporting us,” she said.
Governor Gideon Mung’aro said the Wezesha Fund is central to his vision of transforming livelihoods in Kilifi.
“My goal is to leave a legacy of economic empowerment. Today, women groups are processing their own maize and wheat flour, and soon, they will compete with established brands,” Mung’aro said, urging more youth, women and PWDs to take up the loans.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
Kilifi county’s Wezesha Fund demonstrates how devolved units can drive inclusive economic empowerment. By targeting women, youth and persons with disabilities, the fund tackles poverty at the grassroots while fostering entrepreneurship.
