The National Treasury has announced that the Hustler Fund has disbursed Sh87 billion since its launch in 2022, reaching 28 million accounts and extending formal financial services to millions of Kenyans who previously had little or no access to credit.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi revealed the figures while presenting the 2026/27 Budget Statement in Parliament, saying the government is intensifying efforts to strengthen small businesses and create economic opportunities for young people.
Mbadi explained that the administration’s economic model is anchored in ensuring grassroots entrepreneurs have access to affordable financing, business support systems and markets to expand their enterprises. He noted that the Hustler Fund was designed to bridge the financing gap faced by small traders, informal businesses and low‑income earners who have traditionally struggled to secure loans from mainstream financial institutions.
“Since its inception, the fund has disbursed Sh87 billion to 28 million accounts and enabled 4.5 million Kenyans who were previously listed on credit reference bureaus to begin building a formal credit record,”
CS John Mbadi
The CS emphasized that the fund has not only provided capital but also integrated millions into the formal financial ecosystem, marking a significant shift for borrowers who had been excluded from conventional lending channels.
Mbadi told Parliament that financing alone is insufficient to transform livelihoods, adding that the government is simultaneously investing in programmes to nurture entrepreneurship and enterprise growth. Among these is the Nyota Programme, which focuses on identifying and supporting young entrepreneurs through training, mentorship and financial assistance.
ALSO READ:
Govt allocates Ksh50 billion to strengthen Affordable Housing programme
The initiative has received Sh5.6 billion in funding and is being implemented nationwide, with at least 84 youths enrolled in each of the country’s 1,450 wards. Mbadi said the programme equips beneficiaries with knowledge, networks and resources to build sustainable businesses and generate employment within their communities.
He stressed that continued investment in small enterprises reflects the government’s belief that MSMEs remain the backbone of the economy, accounting for a substantial share of jobs and income‑generating activities.
Delivering the budget under the theme, “Sustaining the Bottom‑Up Transformation Agenda for Resilient and Inclusive Growth Amid Global Uncertainty,” Mbadi said the government’s focus is on protecting livelihoods while maintaining economic momentum in an unpredictable global environment.
“Empowering small businesses is essential not only for job creation but also for building a more resilient economy capable of withstanding external shocks and adapting to changing global conditions,” Mbadi said.
By Masaki Enock
Get more stories from our website: Sacco Review.
For comments and clarifications, write to: Saccoreview@
Kindly follow us via our social media pages on Facebook: Sacco Review Newspaper for timely updates
Stay ahead of the pack! Grab the latest Sacco Review newspaper!
