This archive report was first published on 4 November 2019.
On November 4, 2019, the Women Enterprise Fund (WEF) marked a significant milestone in its efforts to empower women entrepreneurs in Migori County. The fund has disbursed Ksh 11 million to 58 women groups in the last two months, benefiting 634 women from various sub-counties in the county.
The groups, averaging 10 members each, hail from Awendo, Kuria East, Kuria West, Nyatike, Rongo, Suna East, Suna West, and Uriri sub-counties. According to data from the fund, the women invested 56 percent of the loan in trade, while 36 percent was invested in the agriculture sector.
Speaking during a cheque issuance ceremony in Kuria East, WEF CEO Engineer Charles Mwirigi emphasized the importance of market support for the growth and success of women-owned enterprises in Kenya. He 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.'
Eng. Mwirigi released Kshs.1.2M to 131 groups in Kuria East, highlighting the fund's commitment to addressing the hurdles faced by 70 percent of Kenyan women and youth who remain marginalized and unable to grow and sustain enterprises, especially in rural areas.
One of the beneficiaries, Quinter Adek from Awang Rech Women Group in Suna East sub-county, expressed her gratitude to the fund, stating, '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. It has empowered us economically as women from Suna East sub-county.'
Since its inception, WEF has disbursed Ksh 250.85 million to at least 2,360 groups from Migori County, with an impressive 89 percent repayment rate. Nationally, the fund has disbursed Ksh 16.9 billion to over 100,000 groups, benefiting 1.6 million people.
