Naivasha, Kenya — At least 100,000 small-scale traders across Kenya will receive government grants of Sh50,000 each as part of a national plan to boost grassroots entrepreneurship and drive job creation, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced on Tuesday.
Speaking during an economic empowerment forum in Naivasha, Kindiki said the government is targeting 70 beneficiaries in each of the country’s 1,450 wards—mostly micro-enterprises such as barbershops, salons, tailoring shops, carpenters, mama mboga, and other informal traders.
“This is a direct injection of capital to the people who hold up our economy from the bottom,” said Kindiki. “We’re not just talking about empowerment—we’re doing it. The government has allocated funds to ensure these businesses grow and create jobs in line with our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (Beta).”
The Sh50,000 grants will be disbursed as non-repayable seed capital to qualifying businesses, targeting those that have struggled to access financing from traditional lending institutions.
“Time to Work, Not Play Politics”
Kindiki took a firm stance against critics of the initiative, saying the Kenya Kwanza administration is focused on fulfilling its promises to ordinary Kenyans rather than engaging in political distractions.
“We are serious about transformation. Let those opposed to uplifting mama mboga and boda boda riders come out openly and say so. But we’re not stopping,” he said.
The Deputy President added that the government will continue holding similar empowerment forums across the country, with a special focus on underfunded rural enterprises and youth-led startups.
Expanding Climate Jobs and Nakuru Projects
In addition to small business funding, Kindiki revealed plans to expand the Climate WorX programme—an environmental regeneration and youth employment initiative—beyond Nairobi to other counties.
The programme involves cleaning up river basins and sewer systems, while creating green jobs.
Kindiki also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ongoing infrastructure projects in Nakuru, saying construction of 17 modern markets across the county is on track to be completed before year-end.
These include new facilities in Naivasha, Mai Mahiu, Kinungi, and Oserian.
The government is also in the final stages of acquiring land for victims of the Mai Mahiu dam tragedy, he said, assuring displaced families of permanent resettlement soon.
Sh11 Million Raised for Empowerment Fund
Tuesday’s event saw Sh11 million raised in support of the empowerment programme.
President William Ruto contributed Sh5 million, while Kindiki donated Sh3 million.
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika added Sh2 million, and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah gave Sh1 million.
Governor Kihika lauded the programme, highlighting her administration’s work to construct safer, dignified trading spaces—especially for women.
“We’re building proper markets with ablution blocks, nursing stations, and even WiFi,” said Kihika. “No more trading by the roadside in unsafe conditions. Mothers deserve better.”
She also thanked Members of the County Assembly for their continued support during her recent maternity leave.
