The winner of Sh1 million innovation award at the Kisii Entrepreneurship Summit has never received her prize money since she won it one month ago, she has now urged the county government of Kisii to help her get the money.
Askah Kerubo who is nicknamed “banana queen of Kisii County”, said the victory was a sweet reward for her nine-year struggle to put banana processing on the investment map in the county and beyond but now she is in a dilemma of what is going on since she has never received her award.
Speaking on Wednesday at Kisii town, Kerubo said that her business has dropped since most of her customers (Farmers) who used to sell her bananas have lost confidence due to the delay of the prize money.
“When I won my prize one month ago I expected some changes since I wanted to use the money in various ways to enable my business to grow, unfortunately, I have never received my award which has made my business drop as my customers who used to supply me bananas have lost confidence,” said Kerubo.
She added that she has tried to do a follow up from CPF (Central Provident Fund) which was the main sponsor but the management always tells her that she will receive her Money.
“My fear is that when will I get my award since now it is one month since I won," she said.
John Obwocha, who is the Kisii county chief officer for Trade and industry said that the winners are set to receive their money early next week hence urging them to be patient.