Twenty-six groups in Kisii County, on Monday, benefited with Sh4.5 million from the Affirmative Action Fund or simply Economic Empowerment Fund, a kitty allocated for women Reps.
The event took place at St Vincent Pastoral Center in Kisii town.
Kisii women representative Mary Otara challenged the groups to use the funds well to uplift their standards of living.
Mrs Otara said they will make follow-ups to ensure the funds are used for the intended purpose.
"Don't misuse the funds because they are for free. Make sure you are utilising them through initiating projects that will empower you economically," she said.
"However, we will monitor you to ensure you are not misusing the money. The money is not meant to pay school fees or use for luxuries," she warned advising the groups to invest in farming and businesses.
Mrs Otara said the release of the funds had delayed because of a court case opposing the kitty.
"There has been a flurry of criticism that we (Women reps) are not working. We were taken to court on December last year that caused the delay, but we are right on the track. There are enough funds, so people should write proposals for them to benefit from the program."
The groups that benefited from the kitty of the financial year 2014/2015 in the nine sub-counties include; youth groups, women and people living with disabilities.
The highest beneficiary pocketed Sh455,000 while the lowest beneficiary got Sh100,000.
The National Affirmative Fund Board Director Dr Florence Morgor urged the beneficiaries to use the funds well so that the government can allocate more funds to the kitty.
She presided over the issuance of the cheques.
She also urged men to support women and other beneficiaries for the fund to make an impact and change the economy of families.
Ms Morgor challenged women to apply for the funds dispelling the fear of frustration among them.
"I know most of the women fear to come out for the funds because of the frustration they have experienced in other kitties....delays. Ours is different."
Dr Morgor warned against duplication of projects saying that will make the funding have no meaning in the community.
"Am happy with some of the groups here planning to carry out banana processing project. This is a good idea. Be unique and initiate a project that is relevant to your area."
Mrs Otara said they have already dispersed bursaries of Sh4 million to students in the entire county.
"We have issued bursaries worth Sh4 million to students basically those who come from poor backgrounds and orphans."