County disburses Sh 80 Million Nawiri Fund to groups

The county government has disbursed Sh 80 million to over 300 business oriented groups from the 25 wards courtesy of the Nawiri Fund that is aimed at alleviating poverty through economic empowerment.

Addressing beneficiary groups at the Kitale Agricultural Show of Kenya (ASK) grounds Friday during the launch of the Fund Governor George Natembeya noted that poverty levels were so high despite the county.

Despite it being christen as the country’s food basket, added Natembeya, many families were still grappling to make ends meet hence the need to empower them economically so that they can be independent.

The governor challenged beneficiaries of the Fund to effectively utilise the revolving Fund that attracts an interest of three percent only to support the kitty’s administrative functions just as he assured them of county tenders.

He directed procurement officers in the county to capacity built the beneficiaries so they can understand how to do business with the government hence get lucrative tenders from the county that will empower them economically.

“After the first and second phases of getting these funds, you should be conversant of the tendering process regardless of your education levels,” said Natembeya adding that officers in the procurement systems have been taking them for a ride.

The county boss regretted that the less educated in the society suffered a blow as they were fed with financial jargons whenever they sought to do business with the government which discouraged them from further pursuing tenders.

He observed that only a few individuals benefitted from county government tenders through unscrupulous ways including registering several companies that all sought for tenders at the expense of others.

The launch was attended by a mammoth crowd and graced by other county leaders including the County Secretary Truphosa Amere, County Assembly Deputy Speaker Obed Mahanga, County Executive Members, a host MCAs and members of the business community among others.