NYANTURAGO —Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says Kenya’s economic recovery must start from the bottom and that means backing the country’s smallest traders.
In a rallying call to micro and small enterprise owners, Kindiki pledged stronger government support to boost grassroots businesses and lift household incomes. Speaking on Thursday in Kisii County, he vowed that the administration’s economic agenda would put small traders, women’s groups, and youth cooperatives at the heart of national development.
“These businesses are the engine of our economy,” Kindiki said during the Empowerment Forum for Micro and Small Enterprises Saccos at Nyanturago Sports Ground. “When we empower mama mboga, boda boda riders and small traders, we are not just helping individuals we are helping Kenya grow from the ground up.”
A Bottom-Up Commitment
The Deputy President’s message formed part of a broader push under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), a flagship policy of the Kenya Kwanza government.
Two key programmes National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) and Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) are being rolled out to expand opportunities for young people and strengthen small business networks.
“These are not handouts,” Kindiki told the press. “They are tools for growth. We want to see every trader, every farmer, every young person equipped with what they need to thrive.”
He added that the government’s approach was inclusive and non-partisan.
“This government serves every Kenyan,” he said. “It does not matter how you voted. We reject the old habit of linking development to politics. It’s not just wrong it’s unconstitutional.”
Farming Still Central
Kindiki also highlighted ongoing support for farmers, citing subsidised fertiliser and fairer market prices for tea, coffee, and milk as evidence that reforms are bearing fruit.
“We are seeing results,” he said. “Milk prices have improved. Coffee farmers are more optimistic. We are rebuilding trust in agriculture because it remains the backbone of our economy.”
A Call to Fellow Leaders
In a pointed remark aimed at political rivals, Kindiki urged fellow leaders to “stop the endless politics” and focus on the basics cheaper food, better roads, electricity in rural areas, and functioning local markets.
“Our people don’t eat political noise,” he said. “They want solutions. Let’s stay on the ground and get the work done.”
Backed by Lawmakers
The Deputy President was accompanied by a group of MPs and senators, including Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Senate Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, and Kisii County MP Doris Donya. The show of support was seen as a sign of unity behind the government’s grassroots economic strategy.
Also present were lawmakers from across the region Jerusha Momanyi, Daniel Manduku, Steve Mogaka, and others reflecting broad political backing for small enterprise-focused reforms.
The Road Ahead
The government’s empowerment forums have grown more frequent in recent months, reflecting rising concern over joblessness and inflation. By directly engaging small-scale traders and cooperatives, the administration hopes to address Kenya’s deepening inequality and shift more resources to the communities that need them most.
Still, critics say implementation will be key.
Without consistent funding, transparent oversight, and timely delivery of support, the promises may remain just that promises.
For now, traders in Kisii say they’re willing to give the Deputy President the benefit of the doubt.
“All we ask is fairness,” said Sarah Nyaboke, a tomato vendor at the forum. “If the government can give us support not loans with high interest, but real support we’ll take care of our families and build our country.”
The coming months will test how well those words turn into action.
