President Ruto Announces KSh5 Billion Grant for Small Businesses Across Kenya
KAKAMEGA, Kenya — President William Ruto has unveiled a new KSh5 billion government grant that will directly support over 100,000 small businesses in every corner of the country. The funds aim to drive economic growth from the ground up, focusing on grassroots entrepreneurs.
Speaking at a church service held at Friends Comprehensive School Kivaywa in Likuyani, Kakamega County, the President confirmed that KSh50,000 will be issued to 70 entrepreneurs in each of Kenya’s 1,450 wards. That adds up to KSh3.5 million allocated per ward.
“This empowerment is not symbolic or seasonal,” President Ruto said. “It is a structured promise in our manifesto to raise those at the bottom of the economic pyramid.”
The funding comes in partnership with the World Bank, forming part of a wider government strategy to improve livelihoods through micro and small enterprise development.
During the event, President Ruto was joined by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mlongo, and Governors Fernandes Barasa (Kakamega), Ken Lusaka (Bungoma), Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi), along with a group of lawmakers.
President Ruto emphasized unity and inclusivity as key elements of his administration’s broader vision. He dismissed criticism from opposition leaders, saying their focus on slogans and division lacks constructive alternatives. “This work cannot be achieved by one person or one side. We must unite to get it done,” he said.
In his address, the President also highlighted other key government programs underway, including agricultural reforms, universal health coverage, affordable housing, modern produce markets, and digital job creation.
So far, 4.5 million Kenyans have accessed medical services under the new Social Health Authority (SHA), with KSh41 billion spent since the program began in October 2024.
On employment, President Ruto said the Affordable Housing Programme, digitization efforts, and labor export deals are expanding job opportunities for young Kenyans. “Today, more than 400,000 of our youth are employed in various countries,” he said.
In Kakamega, Ruto confirmed KSh3 billion has been allocated to connect 35,000 homes to electricity. He added that stalled road construction in the county has resumed. Nationally, the President revealed that work on the Rironi–Mau Summit–Eldoret–Malaba dual carriageway will begin in August. The Standard Gauge Railway extension from Naivasha is scheduled to start by the end of the year.
Speaker Wetang’ula praised the President’s leadership for promoting national unity and inclusive development. “We must appreciate the interventions you’re making across all sectors of the economy,” he said.
Governor Sakaja added that development is being distributed evenly. “No region is being left behind,” he said. Governor Lusaka echoed those sentiments, saying Ruto’s leadership record already qualifies him for a second term.
Governor Barasa used the platform to call for a full investigation into the recent murder of Albert Ojwang.
The President reiterated his administration’s focus on eradicating tribal, religious, and regional divisions through nationwide development programs. “We are building a country where everyone moves forward together,” he said.
The KSh5 billion grant marks a key milestone in the administration’s bottom-up economic plan, one that puts micro-enterprises at the center of national recovery and growth.
