How 70 Youths from Every Ward Will Receive Ksh50k Starting September

The Kenyan government, in a joint programme with the World Bank, is set to provide KSh 50,000 grants to 70 young people in each of the country's 1,450 wards.

The announcement was made by President William Ruto while leading the Nairobi County Empowerment Programme at State House, Nairobi.

The initiative, which will begin next month (September 2025), is aimed at helping young people start or boost their businesses.

This move is part of the government's commitment to its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and its promise to uplift those living at the "margins of our society."

A Focus on Small Enterprises

President Ruto highlighted the government's dedication to empowering business groups and small enterprises across the country. During the Nairobi event, more than 1,100 business groups were empowered.

ALSO READ: In Pictures: President Ruto Hosts 15,000 Nairobians at State House

The president stated that hundreds of thousands of small enterprises are being supported with tools, equipment, and funds to drive their businesses.

“Beginning next month, 70 young people in each of our 1,450 Wards will receive Sh50,000 each to start and boost their business in a joint programme between the Government and the World Bank,” Ruto announced via X.

The president's message, shared on his official social media, emphasised that "Every Hustle Matters."

This phrase is a core part of the "hustler" narrative that the Kenya Kwanza administration has championed since coming into power. The grant is seen as a practical step towards fulfilling this vision.

“Today’s empowerment of more than 1,100 business groups in Nairobi confirms our dedication to uplifting those who have been living at the margins of our society for far too long. But we are not stopping there. Hundreds of thousands of small enterprises across the country are being supported with tools, equipment, and funds to drive their businesses because Every Hustle Matters,” he stated.

Building a More Inclusive Economy

The KSh 50,000 grant per youth is a significant boost for aspiring entrepreneurs who often lack the capital to get started.

By distributing the funds at the ward level, the programme aims to ensure that the support reaches a wide geographical area. This decentralised approach is intended to create a more transformed, inclusive, and equal Kenya.

The partnership with the World Bank adds a layer of credibility and oversight to the programme, ensuring the funds are used effectively.

This collaboration also highlights international recognition of the government's economic agenda.

“We have made the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation a reality in our country. We have made the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation a reality in our country.”

This initiative builds on previous government efforts to support small businesses, such as the Hustler Fund. While the Hustler Fund provides credit, this new programme offers a grant, which does not need to be repaid.