A cleric in Eldoret has been celebrated as a hero for fully embracing the Hustler Fund initiative, becoming one of the country’s top cumulative saver and borrower.
The 81-year-old Rev James Njuguna Gakabu of Kapsoya ACC Church has used savings and loans from the fund to develop a modern church house that will accommodate clergy and church guests.
The building, which is nearing completion, is a testament to how the fund, now in its fourth year, has helped transform the lives of Kenyans who embraced the initiative launched by President William Ruto to promote financial inclusion.
“Were it not for the President’s vision in coming up with the Hustler Fund, I wouldn’t be where I am in terms of developing our church. I believe one day I will meet him and thank him for such a noble idea,” Rev Njuguna said.
Njuguna said when President Ruto took office, he closely followed his initiatives. The Hustler Fund caught his interest after the President said anyone who embraced the initiative and remained committed would benefit.
The cleric had already started building the church but was struggling to complete the project.
“I believed what the President was saying and decided to fully take up the Hustler Fund as a savings initiative that would help me complete the project.”
He started by borrowing the initial Sh500 and repaying it several times before switching to saving. This enabled him to build a portfolio worth more than Sh1.6 million.
A team from the Hustler Fund later visited him and advised him on how to grow his portfolio further and use the money to complete the church project.
“True to the words of the President, I have really benefited from the Hustler Fund, with this building now in the finishing stages. I trusted his word and put all my concentration in, and today the project speaks for itself,” Njuguna said.
The clergy said he was excited about the church project and was also using the pulpit to educate more than 200 families who are members of the church on how to benefit from the scheme.
Many of them have since embraced the Hustler Fund.
“Our teachings in the church include finances and this church project is an encouragement to our members,” he said.
Njuguna has since built a portfolio worth more than Sh57 million. He said those who oppose the Hustler Fund fail to think broadly about how they could benefit from it.
“I know there are those who borrow but fail to repay. For me, I don’t emulate failures, but I like those who believe in ideas and make them work. The Hustler Fund idea has worked so well for me,” Njuguna said.
He said the project, once complete, would help the church save money it usually spends hiring guest houses for visiting pastors and other guests.
His wife, Annet Wanjiru, said they had seen remarkable benefits from the Hustler Fund, which she described as a noble idea by President Ruto.
She had opened her own account but later stopped using it to support her husband’s initiative. They have also used the fund to meet other family needs.
Hustler Fund CEO Henry Tanui visited the project at the church in Kapsoya estate. He said Rev Njuguna deserved to be celebrated for turning his vision into reality through the fund.
“We celebrate him for fully embracing the fund and being most consistent in a manner that is helping him complete the church house through support from the Hustler Fund,” said Tanui.
Tanui said Rev Njuguna’s experience could help other Kenyans understand how the Hustler Fund was benefiting many people.
“It is enough proof that the Hustler Fund idea initiated by President Ruto is working and transforming the lives of many Kenyans,” Tanui said.
