By Betty Luke
Women groups involved in the Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) economic models have called on the Isiolo County Government to operationalize the County Enterprise Fund to financially empower their members.
The women who spoke during their end-year-share-out events in different parts of the county said although the county government amended the Youth, Women and People Living with Disability (PWD) Act three years ago, they were yet to benefit from the legislation.
The Act that was amended in 2021 sought to allow the disbursement of the funds whose expenditure had been suspended over discrepancies concerns that had been raised by the Controller of Budget.
The CoB had stated that the fund’s administrative fees had been illegally increased to Sh5 million from Sh3 million which was in line with the Public Finance Management Act.
“We have previously benefited from the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) but are yet to get any financial support form the county government,” noted Daya Women Group Chairperson Mariam Abdullahi.
According to the official, there was need for the government to support women’s economic empowerment initiatives as they were key contributors to the county’s economic growth.
“Women pick money in form of loans to invest in different forms of business, thereby creating revenue to the county government. It would only be fair if the government supports such business with the resources set aside to empower groups if any,” she added.
Lengo Moja VSLA group Chairperson Fauzia Ramadhan said the surest way for Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan Guyo’s administration to achieve optimal development was by working closely with women groups that she said were the biggest economy growers.
“Unlike before, a significant number of pastoralist women are venturing into business which is a clear indication that if they are adequately supported, they would contribute to the growth of the local economy,” she said.
Both groups shared out Sh1.2 million each, up from last year’s Sh 900,000 and Sh950,000 respectively.
Ms Abdullahi cited the current harsh economic times among the impediment to achieving their set target of Sh2 million but was optimistic that they would achieve the target in the coming year.
VSLAs are locally driven saving initiatives tailored to meet the financial needs for underserved residents in areas where access to traditional financial institutions is limited.
The model allow members save a limited amount of money for a period of one year, access loans and obtain emergency financial assistance without having to consult a banking institution.
The initiative has enabled women in remote villages in Isiolo empower themselves to start and run businesses, access support to educate their children, engage in farming and other income generating activities.
“Apart from saving, our tutor introduced us to farming. We farm onions, tomatoes, cabbage, carrots and maize which we sell and save part of the money,” noted 62-year-old Kheira Abdulrahman.
They said although they had not received adequate support from political leaders, the Non-Governmental organizations had come in handy in boosting their savings and capacity building on a range of issues.
They called on those yet to organize themselves in groups to speedily do so to ensure their financial freedom and empowerment.
“While we ask for assistance from our leaders, it is important for everyone to undertake their personal responsibility by ensuring they belong to a saving group and are contributing the bare minimum,” noted Ms Amina Musa.
