Updated 1 November 2026
The Uwezo Fund lends interest-free to registered groups of youth, women and persons with disabilities through their constituency: first loans (Wezesha) are KSh 50,000 to KSh 100,000, and repeat loans (Endeleza) up to KSh 500,000. The Youth Enterprise Development Fund also lends to youth groups with no interest, charging a one-off 5% management fee, with group loans from KSh 100,000 and individual E-Yes loans from KSh 20,000. Updated November 2026.
Updated November 2026. Sources: Uwezo Fund loan products and FAQs pages; Youth Enterprise Development Fund products, group loan and E-Yes pages; all read 1 November 2026.
Uwezo Fund vs Youth Fund at a glance
| Item | Uwezo Fund | Youth Enterprise Development Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Who can borrow | Groups of youth, women or persons with disabilities | Youth groups (18 to 34) and individual youth in groups, CBOs, investment clubs or Saccos |
| Interest | None (FAQ: “the loan does not attract interest”) | Group loans: no interest, one-off 5% management fee |
| First loan | Wezesha: KSh 50,000 to KSh 100,000 | Group (Stawi): up to KSh 100,000 new groups, KSh 200,000 groups with projects. Individual E-Yes: KSh 20,000 (start-up) or KSh 50,000 (existing business) |
| Repeat loans | Endeleza: 150% to 200% of the first loan, maximum KSh 500,000 | Up to twice the previous amount (groups); E-Yes rises to KSh 200,000 by the 4th loan |
| Where to apply | Your constituency (NG-CDF or Sub-County Youth Development Officer) | Youth Fund offices; forms on youthfund.go.ke |
| Security | Group members sign a guarantee to repay | Group members co-guarantee |
Uwezo Fund loan: requirements and how to apply
A group qualifies if it:
- is registered with the relevant government body and has a valid certificate;
- is at least 70% youth (18 to 35), women or persons with disabilities, with 100% of the leadership from that category;
- runs table banking or another group fund with monthly contributions (you must show evidence);
- has a bank account in the group’s name.
There is no minimum or maximum group size or period of existence, as long as the group shows monthly contributions.
- Get an application form from the NG-CDF office or the Sub-County Youth Development Officer.
- Fill it in and return it with the requirements above.
- The Constituency Uwezo Fund Management Committee appraises and recommends the group.
- Members attend training on four focus areas; Uwezo says funding comes about a month after vetting.
- Approved groups are displayed at the NG-CDF or sub-county offices, and money is handed over at public forums.
Uwezo Fund repayment
- Wezesha (first loan): repayable within 12 months after a six-month grace period, in monthly instalments to the constituency’s loan repayment account by deposit or paybill.
- Endeleza (repeat loan): repayment starts 30 days after disbursement, in 12, 18 or 24 equal instalments depending on the amount.
Uwezo’s FAQ page also mentions a six-month grace period and 24 months to repay; confirm the term on your offer with the constituency committee.
Youth Fund loans: group and individual
Group loans (Stawi) need at least 5 members, at least 70% aged 18 to 34 and all leaders youth. Members sign a guarantee, and new groups take entrepreneurship training costing KSh 1,000.
| Group loan amount | Maximum repayment period |
|---|---|
| Up to KSh 100,000 | 9 months |
| KSh 100,001 to 200,000 | 12 months |
| KSh 200,001 to 500,000 | 18 months |
| KSh 500,001 to 1,000,000 | 36 months |
Grace period: three months for start-ups and one month for running projects. The 5% management fee is deducted at disbursement, so on KSh 100,000 the group receives KSh 95,000.
E-Yes individual loans are for members of a group, CBO, investment club or Sacco that has borrowed from the Youth Fund, with a clear business plan:
| Loan cycle | Amount | Maximum period |
|---|---|---|
| 1st loan | Up to KSh 50,000 | 9 months |
| 2nd loan | Up to KSh 100,000 | 9 months |
| 3rd loan | Up to KSh 150,000 | 12 months |
| 4th loan | Up to KSh 200,000 | 18 months |
The Youth Fund also lists other products, including Vuka business expansion, agri-business, green finance, LPO and bid-bond financing, Talanta, migration and Vijana Baharia loans.
How these compare with other cheap loans
Both funds are far cheaper than mobile or bank loans because they charge no interest, but they take longer and need a group. For an individual quick loan, compare the Hustler Fund (see the Hustler Fund loan calculator) and bank vs Sacco loans. Before borrowing from any app, check it on the CBK licensed lenders list.
Contacts
- Uwezo Fund: +254 776 154 215, info@uwezo.go.ke, online portal loans.uwezo.go.ke
- Youth Enterprise Development Fund: 0723 522 841, info@youthfund.go.ke, complaints@youthfund.go.ke
Uwezo Fund and Youth Fund loans: frequently asked questions
Does the Uwezo Fund charge interest?
No. Uwezo’s FAQ says the loan does not attract interest. Groups repay the principal in monthly instalments after a grace period.
How much can a group borrow from the Uwezo Fund?
First-time groups get a Wezesha loan of KSh 50,000 to KSh 100,000. Repeat Endeleza loans are 150% to 200% of the first loan, up to KSh 500,000.
What does the Youth Fund charge on loans?
Group loans have no interest but a one-off 5% management fee deducted at disbursement. New groups also pay KSh 1,000 for entrepreneurship training.
Can an individual get a Youth Fund loan?
Yes, through the E-Yes loan, if you belong to a group, CBO, investment club or Sacco that has benefited from the Youth Fund. First loans are KSh 20,000 for start-ups or KSh 50,000 for existing businesses.
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