Over ten governors are to grace a fundraiser for widows from Ilmotiok Ward. The function to be held at Rongena Primary school is meant to raise funds for the women who have formed a sacco.
Briefing the Press in his office yesterday, Narok Governor Samuel Tunai said widows have for a long time been marginalised and it was the county’s responsibility to empower them.
Mr Tunai, accompanied by his deputy, Evelyn Aruasa, said widows have been given priority in the 10 per cent tender allocation meant for women.
“We want to improve the lives of these women whom most have children in schools.
“Many of them cannot access bank loans because they lack collateral and these Saccos will help them get loans,” he said.
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On her part, Ms Aruasa called on all widows to join saccos so as to benefit from the interest-free loans adding that only those in registered groups will benefit.
“We understand the challenges that these women go through and on our part, we want to assist them access loans to initiate businesses,” said Aruasa.
The widows welcomed the idea saying it will help them pay school fees for their children and meet other bills.
The sacco’s chairperson Elizabeth Masas appealed to the county government to consider having a representative from them at the Ward Bursary Committee so as to represent their interests.
“We feel we have not benefited enough from the bursaries because the money we get is little. Our children should not be given the same as those with both parents,” said Masas.
