By Simon Kones, Lilian Too & Caroline Changwony.

The County Government of Nakuru continues to strengthen local businesses and cooperative societies through the Wezesha Biashara Fund, that comprises two financing windows, the Enterprise Fund and the Cooperative Development Revolving Fund, a flagship economic empowerment programme aimed at improving access to affordable credit while fostering entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and sustainable economic growth.The Cooperative Development Revolving Fund has become a key pillar in strengthening the cooperative movement across Nakuru County. Through the fund, registered cooperative societies can access affordable loans at an interest rate of 6 % per annum, with flexible repayment periods ranging from 12 months to 36 months, depending on the amount borrowed.Since its inception, 19 cooperative societies have benefited, receiving over KSh60 million to support business expansion, value addition, working capital and investment in productive assets. The impact has been felt across various sectors of the county’s economy, with cooperative societies empowering thousands of members engaged in agriculture, dairy farming, trade, transport, manufacturing and other income-generating activities.The Enterprise Fund has equally played a transformative role in supporting small businesses by providing affordable financing to organized groups seeking to expand their enterprises. Eligible groups can access loans ranging from a minimum of KSh50,000 to a maximum of KSh200,000, at an interest rate of 8%, repayable within 12 months.To date, the fund has supported 154 groups, with over KSh24 million already disbursed to entrepreneurs across Nakuru County. The financing has enabled beneficiaries to increase business stock, purchase equipment, improve business premises, diversify their products and expand into new markets.The Enterprise Fund is particularly benefiting youth, women and small-scale entrepreneurs who have traditionally faced difficulties accessing affordable credit from conventional financial institutions. By easing these financial barriers, the programme is creating opportunities for businesses to grow while contributing to employment creation and local economic development.Recognizing that access to finance alone is not enough, the County Government has integrated business advisory services and entrepreneurship support into the programme. Beneficiaries receive guidance on financial management, business planning, record keeping and enterprise development, helping them build resilient and sustainable businesses capable of long-term growth.The Wezesha Biashara Fund reflects the County Government’s commitment to building an enabling business environment where entrepreneurs and cooperative societies have the resources they need to thrive. The revolving nature of the fund ensures that as beneficiaries repay their loans, more businesses and cooperatives can continue accessing affordable financing, creating a sustainable cycle of economic empowerment.In a move aimed at expanding the reach of the programme, the County Government is set to roll out the Boda Boda Fund. The new financing window is expected to provide affordable credit to boda boda operators, enabling them to strengthen their businesses, improve service delivery and enhance economic opportunities within the transport sector.As the number of beneficiaries continues to grow, the Wezesha Biashara Fund is steadily positioning itself as one of Nakuru County’s most impactful economic empowerment initiatives. By combining affordable credit with technical support, capacity building and governance advisory services, the programme is nurturing stronger businesses, vibrant cooperative societies and more resilient communities.Through this initiative, the County Government of Nakuru is not only investing in enterprises and cooperatives but also laying a solid foundation for inclusive economic growth, increased employment and improved livelihoods for residents across the county.