Uwezo Fund Requirements, Loan Products, Constituencies and Contacts 2024

In pursuit of Kenya's Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, the Uwezo Fund is a beacon of empowerment for women, youth, and persons with disabilities. This flagship program was established to facilitate financial access and promote businesses at the constituency level, contributing to economic growth while eradicating poverty and promoting gender equality. With its bottom-up approach and impressive uptake, the Uwezo Fund has disbursed over Kshs 7.2 billion and directly supported over 1 million beneficiaries. This article dives deep into the Uwezo Fund, its loan products, eligibility criteria, application process, and its impact on various sectors.

The Uwezo Fund: What Is It?

The Uwezo Fund, established through Legal Notice No. 21 of 21st February 2014, aims to empower marginalized groups by expanding access to finance. This government initiative enables beneficiaries to initiate and expand their enterprises, catalyzing equitable socio-economic transformation. With a strong emphasis on community-driven development, the Fund operates at the grassroots level within constituencies, allowing for decision-making that reflects the unique needs of each community.

Loan Products and Eligibility

The Uwezo Fund offers two primary loan products to eligible groups—Wezesha Loan and Endeleza Loan. The Wezesha Loan caters to first-time borrowers, while the Endeleza Loan serves repeat borrowers seeking subsequent funding.

Wezesha Loan

The Wezesha Loan provides first-time borrowers financing to kickstart their projects and enterprises. Eligible groups, comprising women, youth, and persons with disabilities, can access loans ranging from Kshs. 50,000 to Kshs. 100,000. The application process requires groups to be registered, have a designated membership composition, and submit requisite documents to the Constituency Uwezo Fund Management Committee. Repayment occurs within 12 months, following a six-month grace period, enabling borrowers to manage their financial commitments.

Endeleza Loan

Repeat borrowers can benefit from the Endeleza Loan, offering incremental funding based on the initial loan amount. This loan can range between 150% and 200% of the original loan, up to a maximum of Kshs. 500,000. As a reflection of sustainable growth, eligibility for the Endeleza Loan involves demonstrating proper utilization of the Wezesha Loan and the potential for job creation and expansion. Similar to the Wezesha Loan, eligible groups must be registered and meet specific membership criteria, while repayment terms extend over some time.

Uwezo Fund Individual Loan

The Uwezo Fund individual loan allows eligible individuals to access financial assistance. Aimed at youth, women, and people with disabilities, this loan serves various purposes, including expanding existing businesses, starting new ventures, funding education fees, promoting agricultural activities, and supporting income-generating projects. The guidelines and eligibility for this individual loan are as follows:

1. The applicant must be a Kenyan citizen aged between 18 and 35 years.
2. The applicant must demonstrate the ability to repay the loan within two years.
3. No criminal record in the last six months before application.
4. No outstanding Uwezo Fund loan.
5. The applicant must be within the country during the application period.
6. The applicant must utilize the loan for legitimate and legal purposes.

Application Process:  How To Apply

To access Uwezo Fund loans, groups must follow a structured application process, including filling out the Uwezo Fund Loan application form and submitting requisite attachments. Successful applicants await approval statuses from the Constituency Uwezo Fund Management Committee. Notably, the Uwezo Fund has contributed significantly to various sectors, with agricultural activities and trade emerging as the predominant choices among beneficiaries. Through these endeavors, the Fund has facilitated economic growth, employment creation, and improved living standards.

 Constituencies Benefiting from Uwezo Funds

The Uwezo Fund has significantly impacted various constituencies across Kenya, fostering economic growth and empowerment. Groups have ventured into agriculture, trade, services, and manufacturing, contributing to food security, affordable housing, and job creation. Examples include the Sengeteti Focal Women Group engaging in sweet potato cultivation and value addition and Rwayambu Self-Help Group's garment material and dress sales.

In addition, all the Constituencies have access to Uwezo Fund In Kenya:

Uwezo Fund Contact Details

For further details, you can Contact Uwezo Fund Customer Service via;

• Lonrho House, 16th Floor, Standard St.
• P. O. Box 42009 – 00100, Nairobi
• Call: +254 020 2210557
• info@uwezo.go.ke
• ceo@uwezo.go.ke
• complaints@uwezo.go.ke
• programmes@uwezo.go.ke
• hr@uwezo.go.ke
• https://www.uwezo.go.ke

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Conclusion

The Uwezo Fund is a cornerstone of empowerment in Kenya, promoting economic growth, gender equality, and poverty eradication. Its Wezesha and Endeleza loan products empower women, youth, and persons with disabilities to embark on entrepreneurial journeys that contribute to their well-being and communities. By adhering to its guiding principles and ensuring equitable distribution, the Uwezo Fund drives positive change, fostering a brighter future for Kenya's marginalized populations.