NAIROBI — President William Ruto has promised to give Ksh.50,000 to 70 women and youth in every ward across Kenya to help them start small businesses. He says it’s part of his government’s plan to lift the country from the bottom up.
Speaking at a church service in Nairobi on Sunday, the President said the programme would cover all 1,450 wards, reaching over 100,000 young people and women.
“We have another project,” Ruto told the congregation, “where in every ward we will give 70 women and youth groups Ksh.50,000 to establish businesses.”
The initiative is the latest in a string of direct cash pledges the President has made in recent months. It falls under his Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, a policy he campaigned on in 2022. That agenda, he says, is focused on helping those who have been overlooked for too long.
“Those shouting at me are at the top,” Ruto said. “Let me focus on those at the bottom. They need our help more.”
The President dismissed criticism of the project, insisting he would not be distracted.
“I don’t care about the noise,” he said. “God gave me this job, and I intend to finish it.”
A Divided Response
Supporters say the initiative could make a real difference for jobless youth and women running informal businesses. Kenya’s unemployment rate remains high, particularly among people under 35.
“This is exactly the kind of help we need,” said Mercy Mueni, a youth leader from Kitui. “Even Ksh.50,000 can change someone’s life if used well.”
But critics argue the scheme lacks clear structure and accountability.
“How will the government identify the 70 per ward? What happens after they get the money?” asked Prof. Tom Ojienda, a governance expert. “We’ve seen many such promises before that end in disappointment.”
Others worry about timing. With the cost of living rising and taxes biting harder, some see the pledges as an attempt to regain public trust ahead of future elections.
“This is not the first time money has been promised in churches,” said Nairobi-based analyst Rose Mutisya. “But Kenyans want delivery, not more speeches.”
Ruto’s Broader Vision
At the same event, President Ruto also defended his government’s performance. He accused past administrations of failing to deliver on key promises like affordable housing and universal health care.
“I am the person to do it,” he said. “I am committed, determined, and focused.”
The President also mentioned the Ksh.40 billion Nairobi River clean-up project, pledging a modern sewage system for the city by January 2027.
That project, launched earlier this year, is expected to benefit thousands living near the heavily polluted river. Environmental groups have cautiously welcomed the move but warned that success will depend on sustained political will.
Looking Ahead
President Ruto has made empowerment of the poor a central theme of his presidency. But with rising public debt, a struggling shilling, and growing unrest over taxes, many will be watching closely to see whether his words turn into lasting change.
For now, the money has not started flowing. No official disbursement plan has been released. And Kenyans, often promised much and delivered little, remain sceptical.
As one Nairobi resident put it simply, “We’ve heard it all before. This time, we want to see it.”
