President William Ruto on Monday led the nation in celebrating the second anniversary of the Hustler Fund, a groundbreaking financial inclusion initiative that has redefined access to credit for millions of Kenyans. Launched to uplift informal sector workers—who make up over 80% of the country’s workforce and contribute 33% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)—the Hustler Fund has become a beacon of hope for individuals at the bottom of the economic pyramid. President Ruto emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering financial independence through targeted interventions in his address. “The Hustler Fund is not just a financial tool; it is a statement that every Kenyan deserves an opportunity to thrive, regardless of their economic status,” he remarked.
Immediately after the pronouncement, various financial experts expressed optimism with this powerful financial transformation tool, terming it instrumental and pivotal in socio-economic transformation, and a key factor in the realization of the Bottom up Economic transformation.
The Founder, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kenya, East Africa and regional leading Credit-only microfinance, Jijenge Credit Limited Mr. Peter Macharia Kamau observed:
As we mark the milestone, we welcome the series of enhancements to the Fund designed to reward discipline and encourage economic growth. Consistent borrowers will now enjoy higher credit limits as recognition for their repayment discipline. Additionally, borrowers can use their credit scores as collateral to secure larger loans, breaking barriers to traditional collateral requirements. The repayment window for diligent borrowers has also been extended from 14 days to one month, offering more flexibility.
Jijenge Credit Limited, established in 2014, is a licensed digital credit provider approved by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), committed to addressing the pressing market demand for accessible working capital solutions for Individuals and Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs).