Migori: The Community Poverty Eradication Committee (CPEC) in Migori County has disbursed loans worth Sh1.2 million to various community self-help groups in Suna East and Suna West constituencies, amid growing concerns over inadequate funding and a surge in applications from groups seeking financial support.
According to Kenya News Agency, CPEC Chairperson Bishop Esau Jobando stated that the government-funded programme was initiated to empower grassroots community groups through affordable loans aimed at fighting poverty and boosting small-scale economic activities. Jobando mentioned that this latest disbursement marks the third cycle of the programme since he took office, continuing to positively impact groups involved in table banking, small businesses, farming, and other income-generating ventures.
Jobando explained that the programme provides loans to self-help community groups to empower them economically at the grassroots level. The groups repay the money within one year, and the funds revolve to benefit other applicants. However, he expressed concern over the increasing demand for loans compared to the limited funds allocated to the programme, highlighting the challenge of insufficient funding.
Jobando appealed to relevant government agencies and leaders responsible for public resources to consider increasing allocations to the poverty eradication fund to enable more vulnerable groups to benefit. He emphasized that more funds would allow many self-help groups to improve their livelihoods and broaden the scope of assistance to deserving groups.
On the matter of transparency, Jobando assured that all applications undergo thorough scrutiny by committee officials before approval, ensuring fairness and accountability throughout the process. Suna East Social Development Officer Margaret Gachenge reiterated the department’s commitment to empowering community groups through registration, mentorship, and financial support to help them expand their businesses.
Gachenge disclosed that about 10 groups successfully received loans during the latest disbursement after meeting the required qualifications. She noted that priority is given to groups with valid and updated registration certificates from the e-Citizen platform, ensuring fair representation across wards in Suna East and Suna West. For groups applying for a second or third cycle, their repayment history is considered before increasing their loan limits.
One of the beneficiaries, Pamela Mwabe, commended the programme for transforming livelihoods among youth and women groups in the area. Mwabe shared that her group had benefited from the loans three times, enabling members to venture into poultry farming, brick making, and agriculture. She encouraged other community members to take advantage of the initiative by investing wisely in manageable businesses that can generate returns and ease repayment, advising them to have a clear plan before taking a loan and to start small and grow gradually.
