BUNGOMA COUNTY BENCHMARKS KAKAMEGA COUNTY’S MICROFINANCE SUCCESS

Under the leadership of H.E. Dr. Fernandes Barasa, Kakamega County continues to distinguish itself as a model of transformative leadership through the implementation of its six-point development agenda focused on improving livelihoods, enhancing infrastructure, and empowering local businesses.

In line with this vision, Bungoma County Deputy Governor H.E. Pst. Janepher Mbatiany, who also serves as the Acting CECM for Trade, Energy and Industrialization, led a delegation on a benchmarking tour of the Kakamega County Microfinance Corporation to learn and exchange ideas on the successful implementation of trader empowerment programmes.

The Bungoma delegation was received by Kakamega County CECM for Trade, Industrialization and Tourism Mr. Godfrey Owori, who described the visit as a significant step toward fostering inter-county collaboration and sharing best practices in strengthening microfinance and trader support initiatives.

Mr. Owori noted that Governor Fernandes Barasa has so far disbursed KSh 185,235,000 to traders and SMEs under the county empowerment programme since 2023, enabling many businesses to expand and thrive. He added that the Governor remains committed to ensuring the initiative reaches more beneficiaries and achieves its intended impact across the county.

Speaking during the visit, Deputy Governor H.E Pst. Janepher Mbatiany commended the Kakamega County administration for setting a strong example in economic empowerment through policies and programmes that have significantly boosted the growth of traders and small businesses. She observed that the benchmarking exercise had provided valuable insights that Bungoma County intends to adopt in strengthening its own empowerment initiatives.

Pst. Mbatiany further emphasized the need for counties within the Western region to strategically position themselves as an agricultural and investment hub capable of attracting investors and stimulating regional economic growth.

The CEO of the Kakamega County Microfinance Corporation, Charles Oranga, revealed that more than 3,314 traders have so far benefited from the revolving loan facility offered at an interest rate of 11 percent. He noted that the initiative has greatly contributed to business expansion while also broadening the county’s revenue base.

Among those present during the meeting were Chief Officer for Trade and Enterprise Ms. Faith Gitira, Chief Officer for Industrialization Mr. Saxon Kweyu, Acting CEO of KCIDA Dr. George Barrack Otieno, CEO of Kakamega County Microfinance Corporation Charles Oranga, Bungoma County Chief Officer for Trade, Energy and Industrialization Mr. Stephen Makhanu, and officials from the Kakamega County Microfinance Corporation.