The government has initiated a nationwide campaign to educate citizens on the Hustler Fund and its offerings, following concerns that the initiative has fallen short of its economic impact goals. Co-operatives and MSME Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya announced the programme will be conducted across all 47 counties, coordinated by National Government Administration Officers in collaboration with the Kakamega County Government. The aim is to boost fund uptake and stimulate economic growth before the end of the financial year.
Speaking during a sensitisation forum at Masinde Muliro University, Oparanya emphasized the government’s focus on MSMEs, agriculture, housing, health, and co-operatives as pillars of economic transformation. He noted that 20 million Kenyans have accessed the Hustler Fund, borrowing Sh60 billion to date. He warned defaulters that recovery efforts would intensify, including arrests. The CS also highlighted the development of supportive policies such as the Start-up Bill, 2021 and the creation of an MSMEs Connect platform to foster collaboration and address sector challenges.
