TAITA TAVETA, Kenya – The County Government of Taita Taveta unveiled the County Poverty Alleviation, Empowerment, and Enterprise Development Fund Bill, 2025, a legislation that seeks to transform lives in the devolved unit.
Already, the county government is conducting a stakeholders’ engagement to sensitise the residents about the bill.
The move to develop the legislation was informed by the fact that the county government wants to help alleviate the poverty level, which, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Kenya Poverty Report 2021, stands at 32%, with approximately 109,061 people being monetarily poor.
However, a multidimensional poverty rate stands at 40%, representing a total of 136,647 people.
According to the county government, the Taita Taveta County Poverty Alleviation, Empowerment, and Enterprise Development Fund Bill, 2025, is a comprehensive plan to help the county’s residents lift themselves out of poverty and support sustainable livelihoods.
It combines mapping of the needy, funding, training, business support, and social protection with strict rules to make sure help goes to the right people and is not misused.
What are the target beneficiaries
- Women, widows, widowers
- Youth
- Persons with disabilities
- Elderly people
- Refugees
- The very poor and marginalised groups
How will the beneficiaries be chosen
Using national poverty data
- The program uses surveys, community meetings, and local leaders to make sure the right people benefit.
- Why will there be an establishment of a fund and a board
- The Taita Taveta County Poverty Alleviation, Empowerment, and Enterprise Fund will be introduced with a management board.
- The board of management provides seed capital, financial assistance, grants, approves loans, provides empowerment support, and monitors and evaluates beneficiaries.
- Loan tracking and recovery mechanisms.
Sources of Funding
- At least 1% of the county’s annual development budget will be set aside every year for this purpose.
- The County can also receive donations, grants, and other funds from partners and well-wishers.
- Money from loan repayments and investments will also be ploughed back.
- All loans and financial assistance are to be administered electronically — no cash transactions.
- County Poverty Alleviation Program
How the program works
1. Starting and Growing Businesses
- Seed Capital: Free start-up money for new businesses.
- Loans and Grants: Money to grow one’s business
- Business Savings Groups: These groups will be formed by merging several households identified under the program to help each other save money, access loans, and offer support.
- Mentorship: Each group gets a mentor for guidance and advice for the one (1) year period.
- Market Access: The program helps connect small businesses to markets and buyers.
2. Training and skills
- Business and Financial Literacy: Training on how to manage money, plan and market your business, keep records, and use digital tools.
- Environmental Sustainability: Learn how to run businesses that protect the environment and can survive climate challenges.
- Digital Solutions: Training on using mobile banking, e-commerce, and other digital platforms to make it easier and safer to save and borrow.
3. Support for basic needs
Consumption Support: Temporary cash for food, healthcare, and school fees to prevent the beneficiaries from using the seed business money for daily needs.
Social Protection: The county will work with other programs to offer extra help like health services, agriculture support, and education.
How will success be measured
- The County will regularly check if the beneficiary’s income, savings, and assets are growing.
- They will also look at whether they can afford enough nutritious food, if the business is stable, and if they are using digital financial services.
- The County will track one’s progress for up to 3 years after graduating from poverty to ensure sustainability.
Graduating from poverty
- The beneficiaries are considered to have “graduated” if:
- They have a stable income and can meet daily needs.
- Own more assets, have savings, and are food secure.
- They are part of a savings or credit group and are financially included.
- If one is resilient and can handle life’s challenges without falling back into poverty.
- Even after graduating, a beneficiary can get light support and advice to help their business grow.
What are the offences and penalties
- If anyone steals, misuses, or diverts the money, they can be fined up to Sh300,000 or jailed for up to 3 years.
- Anyone who engages in fraud, bribery, falsification of documents, or collusion to unlawfully benefit from the fund can be fined up to Sh300,000 or imprisoned for 3 years, or both.
- Anyone blocking audits or investigations can be fined up to Sh200,000 or jailed for up to 2 years.
