Mombasa MCAs Call for Simplified Access to County’s Revolving Fund Mashinani Programme

Members of the Mombasa County Assembly (MCAs) have raised concerns about the accessibility of the county’s Revolving Fund Mashinani programme, urging for a more user-friendly application process and enhanced support at the ward level.

The Trade and Tourism Committee highlighted challenges residents face when applying through the current online platform, which, although designed to streamline applications, is reportedly difficult for some beneficiaries to navigate.

The programme aims to provide financial assistance to various groups including market traders, youth, women, persons with disabilities, savings and credit cooperatives, beach management units, boda boda, and tuk-tuk operators.

Committee Recommendations

• Start implementation with Biashara Mtaani groups to identify and resolve challenges before expanding to other beneficiaries.
• Increase public sensitisation on eligibility criteria, application requirements, and procedures.
• Maintain the online system but supplement it with ward-level assistance to support applicants.
• Enhance coordination among the Revolving Fund Board, County Assembly, and relevant departments for effective rollout.

The committee’s chair, Abdirahman Hussein, emphasized that successful implementation depends on collaboration between the Revolving Fund Board and county institutions. The meeting included board chairman Samuel Omondi Okech, CEO Munira Hamisi, and representatives from the county’s tourism, culture, and trade department.

MCAs stressed that simplifying the process and improving communication will help more residents benefit from the fund, which is crucial for supporting small-scale entrepreneurs across Mombasa.