In a bold move to uplift small and micro-enterprises, the government has launched a ward-based empowerment program that will see billions of shillings disbursed to at least 70 SMEs in each of Kenya’s 1,450 wards, in line with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Speaking during an Empowerment Forum in Naivasha, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced that each of the targeted traders will receive a grant of Sh50,000, bringing the total allocation to over Sh5.1 billion nationally.
“We are keen on boosting small and micro-enterprises so they expand and create more jobs. We will have 70 small-scale traders in every ward benefit from this program,” said the DP.
The initiative, he said, is aimed at empowering those at the grassroots level — including salon and barbershop operators, tailors, mama mboga, boda boda riders, and local artisans — who often struggle to access conventional credit facilities.
Kindiki emphasized that the Kenya Kwanza administration is keeping its campaign promise to uplift the “hustlers” by creating economic opportunities tailored for them.
“We are serious, and we don’t want to be distracted by political busybodies. That is the bottom-up promise we made, and we are fulfilling it. It is time to work — politics later.”
He urged critics of the empowerment agenda to state their objections openly, adding that opposing programs aimed at improving the livelihoods of small-scale traders was equivalent to fighting national development.
“Anyone opposed to these empowerment programs should come out clearly and say so. We must ensure our traders grow and help us expand the economy.”
Youth Employment and Urban Renewal
In addition to the ward-based grants, DP Kindiki revealed that the government is set to expand the Climate WorX program, currently running in Nairobi, to other counties. The initiative, which engages youths in cleaning rivers, unclogging sewers, and rehabilitating urban environments, is also part of a broader job creation strategy.
“I will be coming here frequently to check the progress of all these projects — the roads, electricity, and markets. Once they’re complete, the President will come to open them.”
On the recent Mai Mahiu dam tragedy, the Deputy President assured residents that the government is finalizing negotiations to acquire land for resettlement of affected families.
“We are negotiating for land to resettle the victims of Mai Mahiu. Once the process is complete, they will be relocated.”
