Nyaribari Chache Uwezo Fund chairman Josephat Nyamache has rubbished off allegations that together with his team they have embezzled the public funds.
Speaking on Tuesday at Keumbu social hall when he was issuing cheques to approved groups in Keumbu Division, Nyamache termed the allegations a ‘cheap propaganda’ meant to taint his name.
“Rumour is going round that we have embezzled Uwezo Fund money. That is totally false and unfounded," said Nyamache.
"Not even a shilling has been or can be misappropriated under my watch,” he added.
Out of 172 groups that applied for the fund in the constituency, the chairman confirmed only 120 met the threshold to benefit from the loan ranging between Sh50, 000-Sh100, 000.
“Out of 172 groups that applied for the revolving fund, only 120 were approved to benefit. The other 52 groups were suspected to be fraudulent because the members did not even know each other when verification process was being done," said Nyamache.
"We realised other groups had only family members. However, if you can prove beyond a reasonable doubt then you will benefit in the next phase,” he added.
Nyamache asked the beneficiaries to carry out profitable projects so that they can start repaying the loan in six months time for others to also benefit.
“You can remember, initially, you were to pay back the loan with an interest of 3 percent. The good news is that you will pay back the same amount of money you have been given. This is meant to empower our people economically,” he said.
He added: “We had a total of Sh17 million but so far, we have issued cheques of Sh15 million to 293 groups, which is Sh9 million for 173 groups on phase one and another Sh6 million that we have issued today to 120 groups. However, only 37 groups from phase one have started paying back the loans ,“
“The remaining Sh2 million will be given to the remaining groups later. Please pay back the loans as soon as possible,” said Nyamache.
He encouraged people living with disabilities to form groups and apply for the fund so that they can initiate projects that will support them for self-reliance.
“We don’t discriminate anybody from benefiting from the funds. I encourage our disabled brothers and sisters to apply," said Nyamache.
Assistant county commissioner Joseph Mwangi and Senior Chief Jonathan Machoka reiterated Nyamache’s appeal for the people to invest in promising projects that will empower them economically and pay back the loans on time.
“Poor payback of the loans from the last beneficiaries is thwarting the project," said Mwangi.
"Invest in good projects that will generate income for you to enable you to pay back the loans so that others can benefit,” added Mwangi.
Chief Machoka warned: “Don’t use the money for luxuries. I have witnessed some people misusing the funds thinking they are given for free. If you use them well they can transform your families’ economic status.”
Kiogoro assistant commissioner Isaac Barmasai and area senior chief Zipporah Anunda encouraged residents to apply for the Uwezo Fund loans so that they can get a capital base to start off projects and businesses for self-reliance.
Fifty-nine and sixty-one groups benefited from the grant in Keumbu and Kiogoro division respectively, with two groups from Kiogoro getting a posho mill each.