Women Entrepreneurs in Siaya Challenged to Take Advantage of Funds Set Aside by County Government

Oyugi said the government is reaching out to women entrepreneurs through the capacity building program for them to gain knowledge that would enable them to expand their businesses and establish existing government opportunities.

Addressing a women Entrepreneurs’ forum in Rarieda Sub-County on Thursday, Ms Oyugi said that every Financial Year, the government sets aside funds, specifically meant to benefit the youth, Women and people with disability and urges them to take advantage of the funds to improve their livelihoods.”

“The program has brought closer to you government officials that handle resources that are set aside by the government to empower you economically so it’s up to you to engage with them expansively for you to gain, “said Ms Oyugi.

She called on women to apply for the Women Enterprise Funds, Affirmative Action Fund, Uwezo Fund, Kenya Youth Employment Opportunities Project (KYEOP) emphasizing the importance of utilizing these government-provided financial opportunities.

“Uptake of these funds in Siaya has been disappointingly low. Women in our community should take advantage of the soft repayment terms offered by the government,” she stated.

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“The interest rates are low and affordable, making it a favourable option compared to the stringent conditions set by traditional financial institutions,” Oyugi said.

“Women must think carefully before securing loans. Ensure you have a clear repayment plan to avoid any conflicts,” she advised.

She further explained that women could initially borrow up to Sh50,000 and, with a good repayment history, qualify for larger amounts after completion of the first loan, she said while urging them to only consider taking up loans from government-approved financial institutions.

“This is an excellent opportunity for women to start or expand their businesses, improve their livelihoods, and contribute to the economic growth of our community,” she added.

Ms Oyugi reiterated her call for women to seek these funds proactively.

“The Women Enterprise Fund is designed to empower women economically. Let’s take full advantage of it and positively change our lives and community,” she said.

“Women should not shy away from taking loans to better themselves and their families” she said, adding that some women have benefited from the funds and are doing well.

“As a government, we have initiated a process for procuring umbrellas for women doing businesses in Siaya. We shall donate them once training is over. We shall also get your views on the kinds of items you want the government to do for you.”

The umbrella idea was embraced by participants saying they have endured the sun and rain when doing their business.

“Getting umbrella for us will be a step in the right direction. We have persevered in the sun and rain for a long time. When it starts drizzling I am forced to shelter elsewhere but with the umbrella, I will be able to continue doing my work without interruption,” said Celestine Anyango Akoth

“Most of these traders sell perishable goods that require shade. Maize and vegetables require proper care and exposing them to direct sunlight affects their quality therefore with the umbrella providing the shade our goods are safe,” she added.

Their sentiments were echoed by Veronika Amolo who sells vegetables in Bondo market.

Amolo says “For many years I have encountered loss when the vegetables dry up as a result of scorching sun but with the umbrella, I will not have to worry about the sun affecting my goods resulting in loss.”

During the two day training that attracted traders from Bondo and Rarieda , it was established that lack of access to capital was cited as the biggest hindrance to the empowerment of women.

Speakers at the forum noted that providing capital to women at the grassroots, easing bureaucratic bottlenecks that keep them from starting businesses, and getting markets for their produce are the ways to truly empower them.

“While these funds are good, women in rural areas are still locked out by a lot of bureaucratic bottlenecks in accessing them. These are the challenges that keep them from being able to run their households financially,” said Ms Anjeline Otieno, who runs an Mpesa business in Ndori, Rarieda sub-County.

She also explained that the Access to the Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) initiative was a good idea, but that a lot still needed to be done if women were to get their fair share of tenders.

The capacity building program that targets women entrepreneurs has been done to the entrepreneurs from Alego/Usonga and Gem . Ugenya and Ugunja traders will have theirs on Friday and Saturday.

Others present were Gender Officers including Immaculate Onyango(Alego/Usonga) and Pheobe Ochieng(Gem).