Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu Gives Subsidized Loans to Over 20 Women Groups

Governor Irungu said that the loans have an interest rate of only 6 per cent and that there will be monitoring of how the women will be using their money.

The Governor added that the loanees will be given a period in which they will repay the loan and this depends on the businesses they decide to venture into.

The loans were given to over 20 women groups who venture into different small businesses like goat rearing, beekeeping, and poultry farming.

Pastoral women from the Illpoei area welcomed the move and the opportunity granted to them to grow their businesses in order to reach greater heights.

The move also seeks to change the narrative that women from the area have always been considered housewives. They now have an opportunity to support themselves and embrace diverse economic activities that are beneficial to their families.

Laikipia County Department of Trade Chief Officer Njuki Mahiga said that the maximum each individual is given is Sh300,000 but that is after careful training on how to manage their businesses properly.

Using the department's market linking, he added that they will use their position in the county government to assist in marketing goods provided to them by women's organizations in order to raise public awareness.

The Governor called on more women to apply for loans that will support their future businesses and families.