Kenya Ends New Hustler Fund Funding as Treasury Shifts Focus to NYOTA
- Kenya will stop injecting new budget resources into the Hustler Fund from the 2026/27 financial year.
- The Hustler Fund has disbursed over Sh87 billion and reached 28 million accounts since its launch.
- The government emphasizes enterprise development and skills training over direct financial support to the Hustler Fund.
The decision to halt new budget allocations to the Hustler Fund raises important questions about the sustainability of financial inclusion initiatives in Kenya. While the reliance on borrower repayments may seem viable, the challenges of loan recovery and the need for robust management processes must be addressed to ensure the program's long-term success. Policymakers should consider alternative funding mechanisms to support small businesses and entrepreneurs effectively.
