By Lilian Too
The County Government of Nakuru, under the leadership of H.E Governor Susan Kihika, continues to empower entrepreneurs and community groups through the Wezesha Biashara Fund, an initiative that provides affordable financing to support income-generating enterprises, create employment opportunities, and improve household incomes across the county.
The Department of Trade recently conducted a monitoring and evaluation exercise in Rongai,Gilgil and Naivasha Sub-Counties to assess the impact of the fund on beneficiary groups and the progress of their enterprises.
The exercise revealed notable success, with all the groups visited having fully repaid their loans, demonstrating sound financial management and responsible utilization of the revolving fund. Beneficiaries expressed their appreciation to the County Government, noting that the fund has enabled them to expand their businesses, improve their livelihoods, and achieve greater economic self-reliance.
In Solai Ward, the Kormoson Women Group received Ksh. 100,000, which they invested in a bull-fattening project through the purchase of three quality bulls for fattening and sale. The enterprise has enabled members to increase their earnings while steadily expanding their livestock business.
The Kongetich Women Group received Ksh. 50,000 to establish a poultry farming project. The ten-member group purchased 400 chicks, with each member rearing 40 chicks. The project is now generating income through the sale of eggs and poultry products, thereby improving household incomes, enhancing food security, and providing members with a sustainable livelihood.
In Naivasha Sub-County, the Seven Area Self Help Group in Nyamathi Village, Hell’s Gate Ward, received Ksh. 200,000, which was used to purchase water storage tanks for 10 members. Following successful loan repayment, the group is now seeking additional financing to extend the project to its remaining 20 members.
The monitoring team also visited the Undugu Toggen Self Help Group, which invested its Ksh. 200,000 loan in goat and poultry farming before expanding into improved indigenous (kienyeji) poultry production.
The enterprise has become a reliable source of income for members while contributing to improved household livelihoods.In Gilgil Ward, the Kikopey Youth Advocacy group utilized its Ksh. 200,000 loan to subdivide land, thereby strengthening its investment portfolio. Following its strong performance, the group is now set to transition into a cooperative and register as a SACCO, a move expected to enhance financial sustainability and expand economic opportunities for its members.
Speaking during the monitoring exercise, Enterprise Fund Board Chairlady Madam Linda Kageha commended the beneficiary groups for their prudent utilization of the Wezesha Biashara Fund and timely loan repayment. She encouraged members to continue embracing a savings culture, maintain proper financial records, and reinvest their profits to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of their enterprises.
Trade Officer Tabitha Kibithe also commended the groups for demonstrating financial discipline and responsible management of the revolving fund, urging them to continue working collaboratively and to take advantage of future financing opportunities to further expand their businesses.
The success stories witnessed across Rongai, Gilgil, and Naivasha Sub-Counties underscore the County Government of Nakuru’s unwavering commitment to empowering communities through accessible financing, entrepreneurship development, and business support. Through the Wezesha Biashara Fund, more community groups are building resilient enterprises, creating employment opportunities, increasing household incomes, and contributing to inclusive economic growth across Nakuru County.