Traders ask for Sh.10b interest-free loans to cushion them from COVID-19 effects

About 368 enterprises have closed shop and over 10,000 jobs lost in the Mt Kenya region in the last 6 months due to the adverse socio-economic effects of COVID-19.

This was revealed by the Thika District Business Association Chairman (TDBA) Alfred Wanyoike who warned that another 2,000 businesses face similar fate if urgent interventions were not taken.

Wanyoike appealed to President Uhuru Kenyatta and Treasury to avail about Sh. 10 billion to be extended to small and medium enterprises in form of interest-free loans so as to help them salvage their businesses, most of which were on the verge of collapse.

Wanyoike also urged the County Government of Kiambu to come up with a programme that would cushion traders from the effects of COVID-19.