Jomvu MP backs use of Bangla-Pesa food vouchers

A member of the Bangla business network show a Ten shilling Banga-Pesa voucher. Photo Elkana/Jacob

Monday, June 3, 2013 - 00:00 -- BY CHARLES MGHENYI
JOMVU MP Badi Twalib, has defended his constituents in Bangladesh for introducing their own local currency—Bangla pesa— saying its objective was to support local businesses.
 Speaking during the Madaraka Day celebrations in Tononoka grounds Mombasa, Badi said the government should stop harassing the locals for trying to initiate programs that will grow local businesses.
 “The Bangla Pesa works as a voucher that residents and businesses will use as a way of supporting local business and entrepreneurs. The government should support the initiative instead of arresting people," he said.
 He said the harassment of the local people was based on ignorance and urged the government to support the project and any other that local communities may initiate to boost economic growth.
 He added that he has worked out a deal with the Equity bank that would train the residents on business skills and provide loans to them after the training.
 The MP said the deal will help the residents who want to change their lives through small business but lack capabilities and finances to start.
 Last week six people including a US national were arrested and charged with using Bangla-pesa as an alternative to the Kenyan currency.
 The five Kenyans, who are members of the Koru-Kenya initiative were released on a Sh50,000 bond while the organization's US co-founder William Ruddick was released on a bond of Sh100,000 and a surety of a similar amount.
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