Reports that Kwale residents have not been utilizing National Government Affirmative Action Funds for the last ten years are shocking.
It is claimed that the majority of women, youths and people living with special abilities groups in the area have not been using the funds allocated to them for economic growth as expected.
This was revealed during a disbarment of Sh4.78 million in economic empowerment grants to 33 groups in Kwale County by Kwale member of National Assembly Fatuma Masito.
Masito raised concerns over the failure of groups to utilize the funds saying things must change during her reign.
βWe want to be accountable and transparent so that when asked how that money was spent we can showcase. We want to come and see what our people are doing with the funds.Β Donβt use grants for Madera,β she urged.
Masito said that she has seen huge development projects in other counties sponsored by NGAAF grants through group awarding adding that she will consider benchmarking for groups making good of their funds.
βWe have very few groups that have implemented projects using NGAAF grants in Kwale. National and county Governments have brought funds to counties through different areas but we canβt see groups that have implemented projects after being given funds to economically empower themselves,β she added.
Masito who is an NGAAF patron said that she is committed to ensuring that groups that will showcase seriousness in investing after getting grants to get sponsored study tours to other counties.
βThis is the first time we are issuing these grants to different groups in Kwale County after we were elected. We aim to see these groups economically transformed,β she said.
Kwale UDA nominated Senator Rafael Chimera who also attended the event said that he is ready to work with other leaders to ensure the NGAAF kitty is increased for the benefit of locals.
βWe want more funds brought to counties through NGAAF so that we can have more groups getting these funds for development projects that will economically empower you, βhe said.
He said since the funds are not a loan but a grant should be utilized.
Kalimbo Mkala one of the youths from Kinango whose group got Sh400, 000 said that there is a need for groups to focus on delivering by positively implementing projects that they have received funds for.
βWhen we do that our leaders are ready to support us and therefore it is us to show them we are making use of what we are given,β he said.
Rose Alwangβa from Msambweni said that the funds received will be used to fund projects that will benefit them.
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