This archive report was first published on 4 November 2019.
On November 4, 2019, the Women Enterprise Fund (WEF) issued Ksh 11 million to 58 women groups in Migori County, supporting 634 women in their economic development.
The funds were distributed among groups from Awendo, Kuria East, Kuria West, Nyatike, Rongo, Suna East, Suna West, and Uriri Sub counties, which form Migori County.
According to WEF data, the women invested 56% of the loan in trade, while 36% was invested in agriculture. The remaining funds were invested in other areas, including poultry farming and maize production.
Speaking during a cheque issuance ceremony in Kuria East, WEF CEO Engineer Charles Mwirigi emphasized the importance of empowering women to actively participate in economic development and reduce their marginalization.
Eng. Mwirigi stated, 'Inability to access the right markets for their products and services has led many businesses with the potential to fail, hence our coming on board to offer Market support which is critical for the growth and general success of women-owned enterprises in Kenya.'
He released Ksh 1.2 million to 131 groups in Kuria East, further supporting the women's economic empowerment.
One of the beneficiaries, Quinter Adek from Awang Rech Women Group in Suna East sub-county, expressed her gratitude, saying, 'The loan from WEF has helped our group expand and set up a sustainable table banking platform which has enabled me to expand my business and enrol my son to a mechanical institution.'
WEF has enabled women to access economic empowerment, as stated by Woman Enterprise Fund officer in charge of Suna East Sub County Judith Mwangi, 'We train and educate them on different group and individual loan groups that can boost their livelihoods.'
Since its inception, WEF has disbursed Ksh 250.85 million to 2,360 groups from Migori County, with an 89% repayment rate. Nationally, WEF has disbursed Ksh 16.9 billion to over 100,000 groups, benefiting 1.6 million people.
