Wezesha Fund: How Low‑Interest Loans Empower Nakuru Residents

On January 25, 2025, the County Government of Nakuru, working with KCB Bank, opened applications for the Enterprise Fund and Cooperative Revolving Fund.

This step laid the foundation for the Sh100 million Wezesha Fund, a facility created to provide low‑interest loans to grassroots entrepreneurs. The program empowers small businesses, improves financial inclusion, and creates a revolving loan system that allows more residents to benefit over time.

Governor Susan Kihika emphasized that these are loans, not grants, and timely repayment is crucial to keep the fund sustainable.

Expansion Across Sub‑Counties

By February 18, 2026, the Wezesha Fund had expanded to all 11 sub‑counties. Governor Kihika announced that borrowers with strong repayment records could now qualify for larger loan limits—five to ten times more than their original amounts.

In her update, she also highlighted the impact of the Uji Program on ECDE enrollment, the Sh30 million Boda Boda Fund supporting local operators, bursaries, and Sh30,000 capitation for vocational training students, underscoring her commitment to socio‑economic transformation in Nakuru.

Loan Categories and Terms

The Wezesha Fund operates through two categories:

The Enterprise Fund

This supports small traders, youth groups, and women groups with loans ranging from Ksh 50,000 to Ksh 200,000 at 8% interest per year.

The Cooperative Revolving Fund

According to media reports, this fund supports registered cooperatives such as dairy Saccos, boda boda Saccos, and community health promoter groups with loans ranging from Ksh 200,000 to Ksh 5 million at 6% interest per year. Eligibility requires audited accounts, AGM minutes, and documented borrowing power.

A group borrowing Ksh 100,000 pays back Ksh 108,000 in one year, while a cooperative borrowing Ksh 1,000,000 pays back Ksh 1,060,000 in one year. These examples show how affordable the loans are compared to predatory lenders.

Beyond Loans: Training and Mentorship

The program goes beyond financial support. It provides business coaching, financial literacy training, and mentorship to help beneficiaries maximize growth opportunities. By combining affordable credit with guidance, the Wezesha Fund enables entrepreneurs to invest in assets, expand operations, and avoid predatory lenders, fostering sustainable economic growth across Nakuru County.

Governor Kihika formally launched the program on May 30, 2025, disbursing Sh37 million to 95 registered groups and six cooperatives. Special emphasis was placed on Community Health Promoters, with over 2,700 joining the Nakuru CHP Sacco to access funding. She reiterated that the facility is a loan, not a grant, and repayment is essential to sustain its revolving nature.

By October 15, 2025, sensitization campaigns had reached Njoro Sub‑County’s Lare Ward. County officials and KCB Bank trained mama mbogas, boda boda riders, youth groups, and cooperatives on application procedures, transparency measures, loan eligibility, and financial literacy. The aim was to ensure high uptake while maintaining accountability and sustainability.

Today, small traders are moving away from shylocks and expensive lenders, youth groups are expanding their businesses, and cooperatives are investing in bigger projects. The Wezesha Fund, through low‑interest loans and mentorship, is driving grassroots growth and reshaping Nakuru’s local economy—one loan at a time.

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