Woman Rep warns against ghost groups and diversion of project funds as NGAAF disbursements kick-off

Tharaka Nithi County Woman Representative Susan Ngugi has urged groups to stick to their project proposals once National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) monetary allocations have been disbursed.

Speaking at Chuka in Karingani Ward on Friday 02 June 2023 where she issued shortlisted groups with cheques, Ngugi noted that some groups were found to have changed their projects after the proposals were approved, asking those with challenges in picking to seek assistance from officers from her office.

The Woman Representative issued a warning to persons operating ghost groups, adding that groups with malicious activities will have their cheques cancelled.

“There shall be proper verification of groups before funds are released to ensure ghost groups and those who think they will access the NGAAF disbursements in fraudulent manners do not benefit from their mischief”, she said.

Ngugi insisted that for persons to benefit from NGAAF they needed to be in certified and registered groups and provide evidence of active value addition projects that needed funding to avoid anomalies.

A Women Group in Tharaka Nithi County receives a cheque from Woman Representative Susan Ngugi

In 2021, ten women representatives were on the spot over NGAAF cash, with the Auditor General Nancy Gathungu citing irregular expenditure, unsupported bursary issuance and diverted project funds.

In Tharaka Nithi, a self-help group was granted KShs 165,000 to purchase an incubator but members allegedly diverted money to purchase a motorbike at KShs 106,000 and shared KShs 59,000 amongst themselves.

Another group granted KShs 189,000 allegedly shared KShs 10,000 amongst 16 members and the rest used for table banking.

She went on to encourage accountability in the utilization of the funds, assuring residents of her commitment towards the representation of women, persons with disabilities, youth, marginalized and minority groups.

“In the first and second quarters we have 23 groups in the county that have been shortlisted for funding. We will go on to distribute the funds across the county”, she said.

During the Chuka visit which was the first NGAAF disbursement drive in the county, Bidii Women Group received KShs 118,000 for the purchase of a Milk ATM while Bidii Yetu Women Group received KShs 120,000 to purchase a Posho Mill/Miller.