Beneficiaries of the Hustler Fund have been challenged to treat the affordable credit as seed capital for expanding their enterprises rather than short-term relief.

The County and National officials are emphasising that purposeful investment is the surest path to lasting wealth and reliable loan repayment.

Speaking Thursday, during an engagement with top borrowers and young entrepreneurs in Uasin Gishu County, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade and Cooperatives, Dr Philip Chebunet, said borrowers must approach the facility with clear business goals.

“Have a clear vision for your enterprise and put the money into productive activities,” Dr Chebunet told the gathering, adding, “When you invest purposefully, you strengthen your business, increase your earnings and put yourself in a position to meet your repayment obligations without struggle.”

He praised the Kenya Kwanza government’s Hustler Fund for opening doors to credit that many Kenyans previously could not access.

“This programme gives ordinary Kenyans financing based on their borrowing limits and their actual entrepreneurial needs. The opportunity is there; the responsibility is to use it wisely.”

Hustler Fund Chief Executive Officer, Henry Tanui, echoed the call for discipline and focus.

“Work diligently, stay locked on your business goals and make sure every shilling serves the purpose for which it was borrowed,” Tanui said.

“The Fund offers a real chance to improve your economic standing through enterprise development, but only if the credit is used responsibly.”

County Chief Officer for Cooperatives, Elphas Kesio, welcomed the joint National-County approach.

“When the two levels of government work together to empower entrepreneurs, we advance economic inclusion and improve the welfare of our people,” he said.

The Session also gave beneficiaries practical guidance on business management, responsible borrowing and effective use of credit.

Several entrepreneurs shared personal stories of how Hustler Fund loans had helped them keep their businesses afloat and expand, illustrating the programme’s growing impact at the grassroots.

The officials left the entrepreneurs with a clear message: the Hustler Fund is not an end in itself, but a tool.

Those who turn the credit into productive investment, stand the best chance of building sustainable livelihoods and contributing to broader economic growth.

by Maurice Aluda