Nairobi, Sept. 8 -- The government is seeking an extra Sh650 million from the Treasury in the next budget for the former President Uhuru Kenyatta-era Uwezo Fund, citing increased demand for its loans despite falling disbursements and weak repayment.

The State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development says demand has increased following public awareness and sensitisation campaigns, creating pressure for additional financing despite the Fund's declining disbursements.

The Uwezo Fund was established in 2014 under Mr Kenyatta, who honoured a pre-election pledge to use the budget for the repeat presidential vote to provide affordable credit to women, youth and persons with disabilities at constituency level.

Ther...