The Uwezo Fund

Lengapiani Peter
Financial Inclusion Fund -Hustler Fund
Susan Auma Mang'eni Cbs
Government of Kenya Spokesperson
Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development-Kenya

Uwezo Fund today disbursed KSh 4.69 million to 42 beneficiary groups during a landmark Cheque Issuance and Joint Economic Empowerment Sensitization Programme held at Chevaywa Technical and Vocational College in Lugari Constituency.

The disbursement underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to empowering women, youth, and persons with disabilities through the provision of accessible and affordable credit. Of the KSh 4.69 million distributed:

New Groups: 27 groups received a total of KSh 1.83 million.
Today, the Uwezo Fund issued cheques amounting to KSh 4.69 million to 42 beneficiary groups during a Cheque Issuance and Joint Economic Empowerment Sensitization Programme and held at Chevaywa Technical and Vocational College in Lugari Constituency, Kakamega County.

The event, which served as a focal point for economic development in the region, was graced by Hon. FCPA Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya, Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development, and hosted by the Member of Parliament for Lugari Constituency, Hon. Nabii Nabwera.

It brought together key government empowerment agencies, namely Youth Enterprise Development Fund, Financial Inclusion Fund, Micro and Small Emterprise Authority (MSEA) and Kenya Industrial Estates, to advance enterprise development and financial inclusion.

As part of the disbursement, Uwezo Fund issued a total of KSh 4.69 million, with 27 new groups receiving KSh 1.83 million and 15 groups benefiting from refinancing amounting to KSh 2.86 million. The beneficiaries comprised 37 women groups and 5 youth groups, underscoring the Fund’s continued commitment to empowering women, youth, and persons with disabilities through accessible and affordable credit.

Complementing this, the Youth Enterprise Development Fund injected an additional KSh 10 million into the local economy, providing further capital to boost youth-led enterprises and accelerate job creation within the county.

In a significant show of support for local entrepreneurs, the Women Representative and County Patron for the Uwezo Fund, Hon. Elsie Muhanda, utilized the platform to donate tents to women’s groups in Lugari Sub-County, courtesy of the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).

Beyond financial support, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya emphasized the government's investment in human capital and infrastructure. During the visit, the CS llaid the foundation stone for an affordable housing project valued at KSh 70 million initiating the construction of a KSh 255 million student hostel, designed to house 580 students with the capacity to expand to 1,000, and featuring integrated commercial shop spaces.

He further inspected the progress of an ongoing tuition block development at the college.

The event concluded with an engaging programme featuring tree planting, beneficiary testimonials, exhibition tours, and intensive sensitization sessions. These sessions were specifically designed to equip entrepreneurs with vital skills in financial discipline, business management, and the importance of responsible loan repayment to ensure the sustainability of the revolving fund.
Lengapiani Peter
Financial Inclusion Fund -Hustler Fund
Government of Kenya Spokesperson
Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development-Kenya

Uwezo Fund, Consolidated Bank Explore Strategic Partnership to Boost Beneficiary Empowerment

April 14, 2026

The Chief Executive Officer of Uwezo Fund, Peter Lengapiani, today held a strategic engagement meeting with a delegation from Consolidated Bank of Kenya led by its CEO, Murage Njagagua, at Lonrho House.

The high-level meeting aimed at strengthening Government-to-Government (G2G) collaboration, with a focus on enhancing service delivery and expanding opportunities for Uwezo Fund beneficiaries across the country.

Discussions centred on potential collaboration across three transformative pillars designed to empower beneficiaries and streamline operations. These include; comprehensive insurance solutions through bancassurance, aimed at safeguarding beneficiary groups against unforeseen risks; financial literacy and investment programmes to enhance decision-making capacity and promote sustainable capital growth; and labour mobility and global collections frameworks to improve loan recovery from beneficiaries working abroad through secure, employer-linked systems.

Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Lengapiani emphasized that aligning resources under these pillars would enable the partnership to go beyond the provision of credit.

He noted that the collaboration seeks to build a holistic ecosystem that promotes financial security and sustainable economic growth for Kenyan youth, women, and persons with disabilities.

The engagement marks a significant step towards deepening institutional partnerships in support of inclusive economic empowerment and efficient financial service delivery.

The meeting was also attended by CPA Shadrack Indeche, Head of Finance and Accounts at Uwezo Fund. The Consolidated Bank delegation included Mr. Michael, Head of Bancassurance; Ms. Josephine Kioko, Head of Corporate Banking; and Mr. Wario, Corporate Banking Officer.
Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development-Kenya
Lengapiani Peter
Susan Auma Mang'eni Cbs
Government of Kenya Spokesperson

Today, the Uwezo Fund participated in the inaugural Busia Cross-Border Run held at Tanga Kona, Nambale.

Envisioned as an annual flagship event, the initiative aims to strengthen ties between communities hosting MSMEs along the Kenya–Uganda border while championing social and environmental causes and promoting economic empowerment.

In alignment with the Presidential Directive on National Tree Growing and the Fund's 2025/2026 work plan, the event featured a large-scale conservation drive.

A total of 30,000 tree seedlings were planted, marking a significant contribution to national efforts to expand tree cover and mitigate climate change.

The event drew a diverse gathering of Kenyan and Ugandan stakeholders, underscoring the importance of cross-border collaboration in fostering regional integration, youth engagement, and community development. Uwezo Fund’s participation reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive economic empowerment.

By supporting initiatives that integrate health, social cohesion, and climate action, the Fund continues to drive
community-led development that transcends borders.

Lengapiani Peter
Susan Auma Mang'eni Cbs
Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development-Kenya
Government of Kenya Spokesperson

Today, Uwezo Fund participated in the Coffee Revitalization Sensitization Forum at Bahati Grounds, Nakuru County, presided over by Cabinet Secretary Hon. Dr. FCPA Wycliffe Oparanya.

The program highlighted on a strategic integration of financial inclusion into the national coffee agenda:

The Fund aligned its activities with the Ministry’s goal of restoring the coffee sector through strengthened cooperatives and sustainable farming.

The Fund leveraged the forum to provide youth, women, and PWDs with pathways to affordable financing, moving beyond basic farming into processing, aggregation, and marketing.

By providing interest-free and low-interest credit, the Fund aims to transform coffee farming into a viable business for marginalized groups, creating jobs and increasing rural household incomes.

This collaborative approach ensures that the coffee revitalization campaign is both technically sound and financially inclusive as it scales nationwide. Uwezo Fund team was led by CEO Mr. Peter Lengapiani MBS
Lengapiani Peter
Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development-Kenya
Micro and Small Enterprises Authority - MSEA
Financial Inclusion Fund -Hustler Fund
SACCO Times
Government of Kenya Spokesperson
Susan Auma Mang'eni Cbs

Today Uwezo Fund disbursed a total of Ksh. 4,040,000 to 40 beneficiary groups in Butula Constituency during a cheque issuance ceremony held at St. Catherine Special School.

The event was presided over by the area Member of Parliament, Hon. Joseph Oyula.

Out of the 40 beneficiary groups, 11 groups received refinancing to expand and strengthen their existing enterprises, while 29 groups benefited as new entrants into the Fund.

The highest allocation of the day went to Jikakamue Women Group, which received Ksh. 500,000 in refinancing support. The group was recognized for its strong repayment history and effective use of previous funding, serving as a model for other groups.

Uwezo Fund continues to play a pivotal role in supporting micro and small enterprises across the country, fostering inclusive growth and empowering communities at the grassroots level.
Lengapiani Peter
Financial Inclusion Fund -Hustler Fund
Government of Kenya Spokesperson Susan Auma Mang'eni Cbs Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development-Kenya

Uwezo Fund today participated in the 14th Jamii Imara Mashinani Caucus activation held in Gatanga, Murang’a County, in a bid to strengthen citizen engagement and promote community-driven development initiatives at the grassroots level.

The Uwezo Fund team was led by Chairperson Anne Njuguna and took part in the multi-agency outreach event, which was graced by Principal Secretary, State Department for Public Health, Mary Muthoni.

The event brought together various government agencies, development partners, and community stakeholders under a unified platform aimed at delivering services closer to wananchi.

The Jamii Imara Mashinani Caucus is a national initiative designed to enhance coordination among government institutions while fostering public participation in development. Implemented in collaboration with Ahadi Trust Kenya, the programme provides a one-stop platform for service delivery, improving accessibility, efficiency, and responsiveness to community needs.

Speaking during the event, PS Muthoni urged citizens to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to enhance access to affordable healthcare services.
On her part, Ms. Njuguna highlighted the Fund’s continued commitment to empowering youth, women, and persons with disabilities through accessible and affordable financing. She underscored the importance of such platforms in increasing awareness and uptake of Uwezo Fund services, particularly in rural areas.

The activation featured a range of activities, including tree planting, public sensitization on to***co, drug and substance abuse, community dialogues, and exhibitions by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). These engagements aimed at promoting socio-economic transformation, environmental conservation, and collaborative partnerships across sectors.

During the event, Uwezo Fund established a service desk to engage directly with the public, offering information on its mandate, loan products, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and repayment guidelines. The team also showcased success stories from the region, demonstrating the Fund’s impact in transforming livelihoods and supporting enterprise development.

One such success story is the Mugami Self-Help Group in Gatanga Ward, a women-led group comprising 20 members, including persons with disabilities. The group began as a merry-go-round and welfare association before venturing into poultry farming and later banana farming.

With support from Uwezo Fund, the group accessed Ksh 100,000, which they invested in purchasing raw materials for their knitting business. The members now produce items in bulk, selling each at approximately Ksh 1,500 and making a profit of about Ksh 500 per item. The initiative has also created income-generating opportunities for elderly women within the community.

Speaking at the event, the group’s chairperson, Mary Wanjiru, noted that the business has significantly improved her ability to meet her family’s needs. She encouraged women to acquire practical skills that can help sustain their households and improve their livelihoods.

The participation reinforces Uwezo Fund’s broader mandate of promoting financial inclusion and economic empowerment across the country. Through such initiatives, the Fund continues to expand its outreach, strengthen partnerships, and enhance access to financial opportunities for communities in Murang’a County and beyond.

Other leaders in attendance included the Deputy Government Spokesperson Gabriel Mutuma,Winnie Ngumi representing Kenya National Highways Authority leadership, CEO Kenya International Convention Centre, Mr. Samuel Waweru, National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse, and among other stakeholders.
Lengapiani Peter
Susan Auma Mang'eni Cbs
Micro and Small Enterprises Authority - MSEA
Cometogether Widows and Orphans Organization

Financial Inclusion Fund -Hustler Fund
Lengapiani Peter
Susan Auma Mang'eni Cbs
Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development-Kenya
Women Enterprise Fund
Government of Kenya Spokesperson
Micro and Small Enterprises Authority - MSEA

Uwezo Fund participated in the 7th MSMEs Conference & Expo, held on 13th–14th March 2026 at the Sarit Centre in Nairobi.

The two-day event convened entrepreneurs, policymakers, development partners, and private sector players to deliberate on the future of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Kenya.

Organized by Nation Media Group, the conference provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore innovative solutions aimed at strengthening the MSME sector, which remains a key driver of employment and economic growth in the country.

The event was officially opened by the Principal Secretary for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Hon.Susan Mang’eni.

In her keynote address, she called on large corporations to intentionally include young entrepreneurs in their procurement and supply chain networks in order to expand market opportunities for emerging businesses.

She encouraged organizers of MSME forums to ensure such platforms are held in environments that are accessible and inclusive, particularly for young entrepreneurs who form a significant portion of the country’s business community.
Discussions highlighted both the opportunities and challenges facing entrepreneurs across Kenya.

Key themes included access to affordable financing, market linkages, innovation, policy support, and capacity building for small enterprises.

Uwezo Fund showcased beneficiaries success stories underscoring the Fund’s continued commitment to supporting women, youth, and persons with disabilities through access to interest-free loans, financial literacy, and enterprise development support.