Elizabeth Mutindi, Chairperson Makueni Assembly Committee on Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services when she tabled the Committee MCEF regulations report at the floor of the Assembly on May 4, 2026. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva.
The Makueni County Assembly on Monday approved a comprehensive set of regulations that will now guide the management and operations of the county’s empowerment fund, marking a significant transition from the former Tetheka County Borrowing Fund to a more structured and inclusive financing framework.
The newly adopted Makueni County Empowerment Fund Regulations, 2026 provide a clear legal and operational foundation anchored in the Makueni County Social Protection Act, 2025. The regulations formally establish the Makueni County Empowerment Fund as a public financing mechanism aimed at improving access to credit for marginalized groups, including youth, women, men, and persons with disabilities across the county.
At the heart of the new framework is the creation of the Makueni County Empowerment Fund Committee, which will be responsible for oversight, policy direction, and overall management of the fund. The committee will bring together key county officials alongside a non-executive chairperson appointed by the governor and approved by the County Assembly, a structure designed to balance political oversight with professional administration.
The regulations place strong emphasis on economic empowerment by targeting micro and small enterprises. Beneficiaries will be able to access affordable loans to support and expand their businesses, while also benefiting from mentorship, training, and opportunities to link with larger markets both locally and internationally. The framework further promotes financial inclusion by focusing on groups that have traditionally struggled to access credit through conventional financial institutions.
In a significant shift toward modernization, the fund will operate through a digital platform that will manage the entire loan lifecycle—from application and approval to disbursement and repayment. This integration of technology is expected to enhance efficiency, improve transparency, and minimize the risk of mismanagement.
The new regulations also introduce strict financial controls to safeguard public resources. The fund will be subject to annual budgeting and approval by the County Assembly, regular financial reporting, and mandatory audits by the Auditor-General. Additionally, the use of funds will be made public to ensure accountability. Administrative expenses have been capped at three percent of the fund’s total budget, ensuring that the majority of resources are directed toward beneficiaries.
To further strengthen accountability, the framework outlines offences and penalties for fraud, misrepresentation, and misuse of funds, targeting both applicants and public officers. These safeguards are intended to instill discipline and protect the integrity of the program.
The approval of the regulations also signals the formal repeal of the previous legal structure governing the Tetheka Fund, with all assets, liabilities, and operations now transitioning to the newly established Empowerment Fund.
County leaders have described the move as a transformative step toward strengthening grassroots economic empowerment and promoting inclusive growth. With clearer governance structures and the adoption of digital systems, the new framework is expected to make the fund more accessible, transparent, and impactful for residents across Makueni County.
