Youth, women risk jail over gov’t kitty misuse

In a bid to ensure the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) is not misused by women and youth groups, the government says those found misusing grants given to them for projects will be arrested and prosecuted.

Speaking at Culture Center in Kwale County when he issued Ksh 6.9 million for youth and women groups, Kwale County NGAAF Coordinator, Rafael Chimera, said the funds given to groups should not be used to advance political agenda but for development purposes.

This followed a move by a section of Kwale residents to divide some amount allocated to various youth and women projects to advance their selfish agenda.

“We have decided to come up with MOUs with all groups that will get grants from affirmative action fund so that they can commit themselves to implement projects they have proposed,” he said.

He said they will take legal action against groups which will not implement projects that they have proposed.

“Today, we have issued Ksh 1.8 million for bursary and Ksh 5.1 million to 32 youth and women groups so that they can fund their projects and depend on themselves,” he added.

Kwale County youth coordinator, Charles Ayako, said the funds are greatly benefiting locals in the region.

“We have monitored groups which have received funds and so far 70 per cent have been able to repay and are doing well,” he said.

Written by Erick Kombo