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Lay seeks to create PWD Empowerment Fund

Beneficiaries of the fund are members of the Kenya Association of the Blind, Kenya Association of the Physically Challenged and the Kenya Association of the Deaf would pay low interest rates/FILE

Beneficiaries of the fund are members of the Kenya Association of the Blind, Kenya Association of the Physically Challenged and the Kenya Association of the Deaf would pay low interest rates/FILE

NAIROBI, Kenya Nov 10 – Taita Taveta County Woman Representative Joyce Wanjala-Lay wants the government to establish a revolving fund for people living with disabilities to improve their entrepreneurial skills.

She expressed dissatisfaction about the neglect of the PWDs by successive governments.

Lay who was giving notice of motion for the Private Members Bill said once the Economic Empowerment Fund for persons with disability is actualised, the government will be required to set aside 30 percent of the Uwezo Fund, Youth Enterprise Fund and Women Enterprise Fund to this group.

“Noting that this vulnerable group continues to face numerous challenges in getting access to the various Funds; deeply concerned that there is no clear mechanism to ensure that PWDs get their share of funds. This House resolves that 30 percent of each of this funds be channelled Economic Empowerment Fund for Persons with Disability under the National Council for Persons with Disabilities,” they said.

Beneficiaries of the fund are members of the Kenya Association of the Blind, Kenya Association of the Physically Challenged and the Kenya Association of the Deaf would pay low interest rates.

The three revolving funds fall under the Ministry of Devolution and Planning.

Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) was established in December 2006 by the Government of Kenya, as an initiative that is hoped to address the unemployment rate among the youth.

The main objectives of the YEDF are to provide loans for on-lending to youth enterprises, attract and facilitate investment for youth enterprises, market products and services of youth enterprises and provide business development services and employment for the youth. The main beneficiaries are the youth aged between 18-35 years who are in business or who want to be entrepreneurs.

The Uwezo Fund seeks to expand access to finances and promote women, youth and persons living with disability led enterprises at the constituency level. It also provides mentorship opportunities to enable the beneficiaries take advantage of the 30 percent government procurement preference through its Capacity Building Programme.

The Fund which was established from the Sh6 billion meant for a presidential run-off that was left unused has been touted as an avenue for incubating enterprises, catalysing innovation, promoting industry, creating employment, and growing the economy.

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The Women Enterprise Fund was established in August 2007, to provide accessible and affordable credit to support women start and/or expand business for the wealth and employment creation.

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