The Sh 100 million allocated for poverty eradication in Kenya is too negligible compared to thousands of self help groups present, a commissioner for poverty eradication has said.
Mr Samuel Wanjohi said that this year, Poverty Eradication Commission which is under the Ministry of Planning and Vision 2030 is disseminating Sh 4 million to each constituency adding that lots of groups are going without funds.
Mr Wanjohi said that the commission is mandated to assist the government in researching on the level of poverty in the country and also help in eradicating it.
“These funds are not grants but are geared towards spurring businesses and farming that each group has formed”, continued Wanjohi.
The Commissioner was speaking in Nanyuki town, Laikipia East, which was the 7th constituency to receive its share after Kerugoya-Kutus, Mwea, Nyeri town, Tetu, Mukurwe-ini and Othaya.
According to the District Development Officer (DDO) Mr. Charles Nderitu, the exercise of overseeing poverty eradication funding has been directed to TAIFA SACCO.
Mr Nderitu added that 99 groups had applied for the funds but only 45 of them were selected to benefit.
He said that the Sacco will be fair for the groups as they will pay back with an interest of 7% and that they will be given a grace period of 3 months so as to cement their projects and pay amicably.
The Sacco through its Nanyuki branch manager Mrs Catherine Wanjiku urged the benefiting groups to pay swiftly so that they get lion’s share next time.
The commissioner is now urging the government to increase the funds from the present Sh 100 million so that more Kenyans can benefit from the funds.
Disclaimer: All articles and letters published on MyNews24 have been independently written by members of News24's community. The views of users published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. News24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.