President William Ruto has announced a Sh5 billion grant targeting more than 100,000 small businesses across Kenya, in a bold move aimed at uplifting micro and small enterprises. Speaking during an interdenominational church service at Friends Comprehensive School in Kivaywa, Kakamega County, the President said the initiative, implemented in partnership with the World Bank, will see 70 small business owners in each of the country’s 1,450 wards receive Sh50,000 each totaling Sh3.5 million per ward.
“This empowerment is not a façade or a temporary programme; it is a programme in our manifesto that seeks to lift those at the bottom of the economic pyramid,” Ruto said.
The grant is expected to strengthen grassroots economic activity and boost employment, especially in informal sectors. The President emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation in realizing the national transformation agenda, urging leaders and citizens alike to work together.
Ruto dismissed critics of his administration’s programmes, saying they offer no alternative vision beyond promoting tribalism, division, and anti-government sentiments.
He reiterated his commitment to ongoing reforms in key sectors such as agriculture, health, and housing. Notably, he highlighted the impact of agricultural reforms including subsidized fertiliser and revitalization of maize, sugar, and coffee farming as having significantly improved farmer earnings.
On healthcare, Ruto encouraged Kenyans to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA), revealing that 4.5 million Kenyans have accessed services worth Sh41 billion under SHA since October 2024.
The President also updated Kakamega residents on local developments, including Sh3 billion allocated to connect 35,000 households to electricity and the resumption of stalled road projects. Nationally, the dualling of the Rironi-Mau Summit-Eldoret-Malaba road is set to begin in August, while the Standard Gauge Railway extension from Naivasha will commence by year’s end.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who accompanied Ruto, praised the government’s inclusive development approach, reaffirming the commitment to ensuring no region is left behind.
