By Virginia Siebella.
Principal Secretary for MSMEs, Susan Mang’eni, has announced a major restructuring of the Uwezo Fund’s loan disbursement model to better meet the evolving financial needs of Kenyans.
Speaking at a retreat in Machakos attended by the Uwezo Fund Oversight Board, senior management, and board members, Mang’eni noted that the current loan amounts no longer match the demands of today’s economy.
“What fifty thousand shillings could achieve for a group of ten people ten years ago is no longer sufficient in today’s market,” she explained, stressing the importance of more impactful financing to help individuals and groups grow their businesses effectively.
Uwezo Fund Board Chair, Ann Njuguna, added that the institution is also scaling up its Wezesha Majuu program, which creates employment opportunities for Kenyan youth abroad. Since its launch, the initiative has disbursed 31 billion shillings.
The Machakos retreat focused on reviewing the Fund’s 2025 performance contract, enhancing governance systems, and exploring collaboration with emerging initiatives such as the Nyota program.
