RUTO TO FUND WOMEN AND YOUTH

President William Ruto has announced a new economic empowerment initiative that will see women and youth across Kenya receive direct financial support to establish small businesses.

Speaking during a church service in Nairobi on Sunday, the President revealed that the programme will target 70 women and youth in every ward, with each beneficiary set to receive Ksh.50,000.

According to the Head of State, the plan is part of his Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), a key pillar of his pre-election manifesto aimed at supporting vulnerable groups and stimulating grassroots entrepreneurship.

“We are looking for those at the bottom to uplift them. Those shouting at me are at the top; they should give me an opportunity to lift those who are at the bottom,” said Ruto.

The President defended his administration's focus on economic inclusion, saying that criticism from political opponents would not derail his agenda. “I don’t care about the noises. I am focused. God gave me an assignment to transform this nation, and I will see it through,” he told congregants.

Ruto also accused past governments of failing to fulfill promises around Universal Health Coverage and affordable housing, asserting that his leadership will deliver on those commitments.

In addition to the business funding plan, Ruto disclosed that Nairobi will benefit from a Ksh.40 billion Nairobi River clean-up project, which includes a modern sewage system expected to be completed by January 2027.

The ward level economic support programme is expected to reach over 100,000 youth and women across the country. However, specific implementation dates and criteria for selecting beneficiaries have not yet been disclosed by the government.