NAIROBI,Kenya-The Hustler Fund has achieved a major milestone in Kenya’s credit empowerment journey, with
Over 9 million Kenyans are returning for repeat borrowing under the hustler fund, Principal Secretary for MSME Development Susan Mangeni has revealed.
According to Mangeni,the move signals growing confidence in the government-backed initiative.
“4.5 million customers have now graduated to Category A & B, a demonstration of successful credit profile repair,” said Mangeni.
The PS noted that 400,000 Hustler Fund beneficiaries have now qualified for an enhanced loan limit of up to Sh150,000 under the fund’s Bridge Loan facility in a move she says has booseted credit worthiness for amall holder traders.
According to Mqngeni,thia expansion provides a crucial lifeline to micro and small enterprises looking to scale operations or manage working capital needs.
The government contends that the development underscores the fund’s growing role in financial inclusion, particularly for previously unbanked or underserved citizens.
The Hustler Fund, launched by president William Ruto in 2023 aims to offer affordable and accessible credit to millions of Kenyans shut out of traditional lending due to poor or non-existent credit histories.
The Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs asserts that the fund seeks to unlock grassroots entrepreneurship.
The fund is however facing headwinds as regards repayments.
As of May 22, 2025, Kenyans had borrowed a total of Sh65.7 billion from the Fund, with Sh53.2 billion repaid, according to a report from The Star.
This leaves an outstanding balance of Sh12.5 billion.
The fund has also experienced a high number of non-performing loans, with some reports indicating that 64% of the borrowed money has not been repaid.
