Low intake of Uwezo Fund among Ndungiri youth has shed fears down spines of local leaders, Ndungiri Chief has said.
Anothony Kipkurui, says that the Sh6 billion Uwezo Fund is yet to make impact to Ndungiri youth.
“The number of youth applying for Uwezo Fund at Ndungiri is discouraging. My location has four youth groups who have benefited from the youth fund,” said Kipkurui.
Kipkurui noted that the fund is meant to empower youth and women and urged them to effectively use the opportunities offered by the both levels of governments to improve their livelihood.
“The fund was created by government to help youth access loans to finance income generating activities,” said Kipkurui.
Speaking on Friday at Ndungiri Shopping Centre, Nakuru North during a sensitisation programme, Kipkurui called on youth and women to form groups and apply for loans.
“Those who have not formed groups should take this chance and form groups to access loans to generate income. We don't youth to excuse that there is no job opportunities because Uwezo fund is the panacea to youths' plight,” he said.
The administrator said that with youth involvement in nation building, the rise in crime would reduce.
He urged youth to take the advantage of government tenders where 30 percent of public opportunities are reserved to youth.
He also urged youth to seek advice from Youth and Gender Development Officers on the ground for technical support.
“Youth need training and internship programmes to enable them enhance financial disciplines,” he said.
Kipkurui however urged youth to wisely use the loans from the fund and should avoid spending it on luxury activities.