President William Ruto has announced a transformative Sh5 billion grant aimed at boosting over 100,000 micro and small enterprises (MSEs) across Kenya. The initiative, in partnership with the World Bank, targets 70 entrepreneurs per ward, with each receiving Sh50,000 to scale their ventures.
“This is not a temporary handout. It’s part of our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda to empower those at the grassroots,” said the President.
The Head of State made the announcement during an interdenominational church service held at Friends Comprehensive School Kivaywa, in Likuyani, Kakamega County.
Each of the country’s 1,450 wards will receive Sh3.5 million, as the government intensifies its commitment to inclusive economy
Driving the Hustler Agenda
President Ruto emphasized that this fund aligns with the Kenya Kwanza manifesto, which prioritizes empowering informal sector businesses under the “bottom-up” economic model.
“We are walking the talk. The plan is already creating opportunities for those long neglected by top-down policies.”
Among leaders accompanying the President were National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Environment CS Deborah Mlongo, and governors Fernandes Barasa (Kakamega), Ken Lusaka (Bungoma), and Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi).
Unity Over Division, Jobs Over Slogans
The President called for unity and cooperation, urging Kenyans to rally behind a transformation agenda focused on health, agriculture, housing, and digital innovation.
“Those opposing us have no alternative plan. Their politics is built on hatred, tribalism, and slogans,” he said.
The Head of State said his administration is focused on tangible reforms and cited the subsidised fertiliser programme and revival of the maize, sugar, and coffee sub-sectors as proof of progress.
