Deputy Governor, Hon. Titus Ntuchiu, graced the Kinoru Stadium grounds, during the issuance of cheques to women groups, and youths, from the Youth Fund and Women Enterprise Fund, in an effort to empower youth and women alike, so as to ensure residents engage in activities that bring home an income through investing in fruitful businesses.

"Meru has embraced alternative income generating activities such as businesses and agriculture as opposed to the elusive white collar jobs and we have several success stories of entrepreneurs who have used funds dispatched from the Youth and Women Enterprise kitties. Case in point, is a youth making and selling cakes and cakes accessories, some are making sausages, while others have invested in diverse sectors whose achievements are evident. We therefore encourage others to access the loans and put them to good use" Said the Deputy Governor.

The CS Public Service, Margaret Kobia reiterated the DG's sentiments and asked residents to embrace business opportunities to seek loans and enrich their lives. She also cited that Meru has been ranked the highest of all Counties, in its quest to access the Affirmative Funds, which are then dispatched to residents who seek the loan facility in a bid to invest in businesses.

Ms. Linner Nkirote, went on to inform those present at the stadium that the County Government has also set aside 4M that shall be given to groups, to be refunded with zero interest. Further, she spoke against Sexual and Gender Based Violence, a practice she said has largely contributed to poverty in Meru, mentioned that the Assembly had passed a SGBV policy that is meant to protect women and urged them to access these funds so they can be self reliant.

Mr. Gabriel, Director FAO, urged the fund beneficiaries to invest in agriculture as it is the backbone of every economy, while the Imenti North, MP. Rahim Dawood, thanked his constituents for accessing and paying back loans given without fail.