Thika Town MP Patrick Wainaina has urged residents in the constituency not to shy away from applying for government funds to start businesses.
The lawmaker said residents should form self-help groups so that they can apply for government loans such as the Uwezo Fund instead of depending on leaders to give them financial support to set up businesses. "Self-help groups are encouraged to apply for Uwezo Funds which are currently available, and use the funds to start small businesses to boost their living standards," he said. Speaking at the CDF Office on Wednesday, Wainaina said residents have the capacity to create jobs and become empowered if they apply for the funds."Many jobs have and will be created through the self-help groups because if small businesses are set up, self-employment will be created and we will have more people being absorbed to work in the various businesses," said Wainaina.The MP noted that the groups will receive training on how they will manage the loans they will receive, to ensure there is no misuse of funds. He gave an example of the egg Monday programme which will be rolled out in eight pilot schools, where groups from various wards will be contracted to deliver the eggs to the schools, thus empowering them financially.