

Ruto Launches Major County Empowerment Drive, Equipping 10,000 Nairobi Hustlers at State House
NAIROBI, Kenya – In a massive show of support for grassroots businesses, President William Ruto today spearheaded the Nairobi leg of the County Empowerment Initiative at State House. The event saw over 10,000 residents from 17 constituencies and 85 wards converge, representing more than 1,100 registered business groups, predominantly youth-led enterprises.
Tools for Transformation Distributed
Attendees received a diverse array of essential equipment directly aimed at boosting their ventures:
- Transport & Logistics: Motorbikes
- Manufacturing & Crafts: Sewing machines, posho mills, welding kits, salon equipment
- Tech & Innovation: Gaming computers, printers
- Food & Hospitality: Modern kitchenware sets, baking ovens
- Water & Sanitation: Water tanks
- Agriculture: Greenhouses, drip irrigation kits, poultry units
“Every Hustle Matters” Takes Center Stage
The distribution is a core component of the national “Every Hustle Matters” programme, designed to propel small businesses by providing critical tools, equipment, and financial support. President Ruto emphasized the government’s commitment to the “Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda” (BETA), stating the initiative directly tackles unemployment and drives economic growth from the grassroots up.
Major Cash Grant Expansion Announced
President Ruto unveiled a significant next phase: Starting next month, a major partnership between the Kenyan Government and the World Bank will kick off. Under this scheme:
- 70 youth in each of Kenya’s 1,450 wards will receive a grant of Sh50,000.
- This translates to 101,500 youth entrepreneurs nationwide benefiting initially.
- The total initial disbursement under this specific grant program amounts to over Sh5.075 billion.
Focus on Sustainability & Growth
“Today is not just about receiving tools; it’s about receiving the keys to your future prosperity and the growth of our nation,” President Ruto told the enthusiastic crowd. “The ‘Every Hustle Matters’ programme and the upcoming grants are investments in your ideas, your energy, and your role as the true engine of Kenya’s economy. We are putting capital directly into the hands of those driving enterprise at the community level.”
Beneficiaries expressed strong optimism. “This sewing machine means I can finally hire an apprentice and take bigger orders,” said Mary Wanjiru, a tailor from Embakasi. Kelvin Omondi, receiving a gaming computer, added, “This tech upgrade allows my gaming hub to attract serious tournaments. It changes everything.”
The State House event marks a significant scaling-up of direct support to micro and small enterprises, positioning Nairobi’s hustlers and those across all 47 counties as central to Kenya’s economic development strategy.