• Governor Wilber Ottichilo distributed the cash from the Trade and Enterprise Fund to groups in Luanda and Emuhaya on Wednesday.
• He said empowered businesses will make more money and pay better levies to improve county revenue.
Traders in Vihiga have received a boost to their businesses after the county injected Sh25 million to grow their operations.
Governor Wilber Ottichilo distributed the cash from the Trade and Enterprise Fund to groups in Luanda and Emuhaya on Wednesday.
He said empowered businesses will make more money and pay better levies to improve county revenue.
The Trade and Enterprise Fund was created in 2019 and Sh33 million disbursed.
Ottichilo said the previous administration did not put mechanisms for repaying the cash hence the county incurred huge losses during the period.
The governor urged the beneficiaries to put the loan into sensible use to improve the county’s economy.
"This is a revolving fund and it will serve generations of this county. I, therefore, urge you to put the money into good use for a better return,” Ottichillo said.
He further said the most important thing is capacity building for the business sector for viable and profitable business across the county.
The department of Trade will organise for traders from Vihiga county to attend both local and international fairs and exhibitions, he said.
Deputy Governor Patrick Saisi urged the youths to take advantage of the fund to empower themselves economically.
“Poverty should not be part of your life when we have such funds in place. Take these loans and put them into productive use to transform your lives,” Saisi said.
Saisi said the county has provided an enabling environment to ensure the business community is improving and creating more job opportunities.
(edited by o. owino)