The Principal Secretary in the State Department of Gender Affairs, Ms. Safina Kwekwe, has urged young people who have borrowed loans from the Youth Enterprise Development Fund to repay so as to avail money for others to borrow. Ms. Kwekwe noted that YEDF is a revolving Fund and as such requires those who have borrowed to repay so as to avail credit for others to borrow. The PS was speaking at a cheque issuance and public sensitization forum held at Hola Primary School in Tana River County.
Ms. Kwekwe decried the low uptake and repayment of loans in the county, noting that only Kshs 14.6 million had been taken up with 20% being paid back. This, she said, was extremely low compared to other counties within the coast region. “Following various discussions with the local administration and office of the women representative, I acknowledge that there are several challenges inhibiting uptake and repayment of loans in this county. To this end, my ministry will implement various measures including carrying out aggressive and targeted entrepreneurship training forums. These forums will address issues such as how to identify business opportunities, marketing and how to participate in government procurement opportunities through AGPO” she said. According to her this will enable young people run sustainable businesses and gain self-economic development.
Speaking at the same forum, Tana River County Women Representative Ms. Rehema Hassan appreciated the initiatives and efforts of the Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs in reaching out to support youth and women through the affirmative funds. She pledged to work with officers at the grass root in creating awareness, forming groups, monitoring income generating projects and recovery of loans. She asked young people in the county to be proactive and visit offices of the affirmative funds so as to learn what opportunities are available for their economic growth.
The principal secretary presented a cheque of Kshs 2.7 million to benefit 324 successful youth applicants in the county.