Youths from Kisii and Nyamira counties have been urged to develop a positive attitude towards loans to get funding to invest in various projects that can boost their incomes.
Gusii Youth Bunge Sacco society told the young people not to only rely on white-collar jobs and instead apply the skills they obtained from college and university to develop themselves.
The society led by chairman Asha Moronya, CEO Evans Makori and secretary Cliff Omosa said that they started the sacco 10 years ago to help youths obtain loans and start businesses.
Addressing the press at Kisii Agricultural Training Centre after an annual delegates meeting, Moronya said the sacco has a capital base of Sh52 million which they can lend to youth, women and the disabled at one per cent interest rate.
“We urge our fellow youth to think outside the box and stop relying on white-collar jobs. They should come up with ideas which will help them earn a living,” Moronya said.
He said the sacco with a membership of over 6,000 has been thriving because they share ideas which they put into action.
“We have come this way because of the cooperation and good working relations between leaders and members," he said.
“Despite a few challenges here and there which were brought about by the outbreak of Covid-19, our services are above board,” the chairman said.
Makori said they have identified six areas which they will work on. He said they will also embark on registration of new members and resource mobilisation starting next year.
“We intend to open another branch in Nyamira next year because we hope to increase membership to 8,000 up from the current 6,500,” Makori said.
He said the organisation has since disbursed Sh45 million in terms of loans to various groups which he said are doing well.
He discouraged the youth from drinking illicit brews saying addiction has ruined many who had good skills which would help the country if utilised well.
Omosa said they train the youth on how to be good managers before they offer them loans adding that knowledge is power.
“Training for the youth is key because the same will offer them an opportunity to understand how they can start and manage their businesses,” Omosa said.
