9,300 farmers to access cheap loans as Kirinyaga disburses Sh20m to saccos

DAVID WANDETO-KNA

More than 9,300 farmers in Kirinyaga County are set to benefit from enhanced access to affordable credit after the county government disbursed Sh20 million to 20 ward-based Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (Saccos) as part of a wider economic empowerment programme targeting farmers, youth, women and vulnerable groups.

Speaking during the distribution exercise in Kabare, Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru said each of the county’s 20 wards received Sh1 million to strengthen farmer-owned Saccos and expand financial services that will enable members to invest in agriculture and other income-generating activities.

The governor said the programme will directly benefit 9,312 farmers by improving access to affordable loans, encouraging savings and strengthening investments along agricultural value chains.

Waiguru said the county government was committed to empowering residents economically by investing in initiatives identified through public participation, noting that access to affordable financing remains one of the biggest challenges facing small-scale farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs.

She said the funds will enable the Saccos to expand lending to members, support farm production, promote value addition and improve market linkages, ultimately increasing household incomes and creating employment opportunities. 

Besides the financial support to the Saccos, the county also distributed assorted empowerment equipment to community groups and vulnerable households across 16 wards.

The items included wheelchairs for persons living with disabilities, motorbikes, catering equipment, tents and chairs, public address systems, water storage drums, energy-saving cooking stoves, reflector jackets for boda boda groups, sanitary towels, sausage and egg vending trolleys and a car wash machine for a youth group.

According to the Governor, the equipment was distributed based on requests submitted by residents through their respective Members of County Assembly, with the aim of supporting self-employment, improving community services and strengthening household incomes.

She said empowering organized groups with income-generating equipment enables beneficiaries to establish sustainable businesses while reducing unemployment and dependency.

Waiguru noted that the empowerment programme forms part of her administration’s broader strategy of promoting inclusive economic growth by ensuring development resources reach all parts of the county.

Kabare Ward MCA Isaiah Mbogo, who hosted the event, said the county’s investment in grassroots empowerment had strengthened livelihoods and accelerated development across the ward.