Thika youth development officer Laban Mwangi has decried the high rate of illiteracy among area residents.
Speaking from his Thika office today, Mwangi noted that the low education level among the locals was the biggest challenge facing success of projects implemented under Uwezo Fund.
Mwangi said illiteracy remains a challenge for residents seeking funds from his office as many lacked business skills to implement projects.
The officer however said that some 149 groups have applied for the funds but only 44 will be given the cash of between Sh 50,000 -500,000 regardless of the number individuals.
He said the national Uwezo Funds organisation committee has been in the forefront in providing mentorship programmes aimed at boosting skills among the beneficiaries.
“Our youths, women and people living with disability are usually taught on entrepreneurial skills that will help change livelihoods through networking and boosting managerial skills,” said Mwangi.
He said the kitty has assisted residents venture into activities like agri-business, bodaboda services and hawking.
Mwangi asked area leaders, including politicians, to assist the youths change from drugs and venture in income generating activities if the government's vision 2030 dream is to be realised.
The Uwezo Fund kitty was the Jubilee Alliance's pre-election promise that in case the country did not go for a re-run in the hotly contested March 2013 presidential elections, the cash for the exercise would be channelled to assisting youths, women and people living with disabilities.