Madaraka Day: Ruto tells Kenyans to dream big as Hustler Fund and NYOTA lift youth

President William Ruto on Sunday told Kenyans that the Hustler Fund has so far helped over 25 million people, with Sh70 billion disbursed in loans and Sh4.5 billion saved.

Speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, Ruto said the fund is changing lives by allowing small traders and ordinary citizens to access money without needing payslips, security, or land titles.

“It’s simple, fair and made for the people,” he said.

Ruto added that over 4.5 million Kenyans with good loan records can now borrow up to Sh150,000 and work with banks to grow their businesses.

“We’re opening the financial system to everyone,” he said, pointing out how boda boda riders, shopkeepers, and mama mboga are now able to build better lives.

Ruto also announced a new project for the youth, known as NYOTA, supported by Sh20 billion from the World Bank.

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The project targets 800,000 young people aged between 18 and 29 — and up to 35 for those with disabilities — with skills training, job experience and business support.

“Already, over one million youth have signed up,” he said. “We are giving out Sh 5 billion in grants to 100,000 young people by August. Each one will get Sh 50,000 to start a business.”

The President said the government is also building new fish markets in Likoni and Kibuyuni and setting up fish landing sites in Homa Bay and Kisumu to support the Blue Economy. “We want to cut fish losses and create jobs for women and youth,” he said.

Ruto added that 1,800 kilometers of new roads have been built and over 134,000 kilometers improved to make transport easier for small traders and farmers.

He ended with a call for unity and hard work. “We must keep moving forward and make up for lost time,” he said. “Let’s believe in ourselves and build a better Kenya together.”