DP Kindiki: ‘The gov’t has allocated billions to empower small traders nationwide'

The government has allocated billions of shillings to support small and micro-enterprises across the country as part of its Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Tuesday announced that at least 70 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in each of the country’s 1,450 wards will receive Sh50,000 grants to grow their businesses.

Speaking during an Empowerment Forum in Naivasha, Nakuru County, the DP said the initiative is aimed at uplifting grassroots entrepreneurs such as salon and barbershop operators, carpenters, tailors, mama mboga, and other informal traders.

“We are focused on empowering small and micro-businesses so they can grow and create more jobs. 70 traders in every ward will benefit from this programme,” Prof Kindiki said.

Prof Kindiki emphasized that the Kenya Kwanza administration remains committed to fulfilling its pledge to uplift those at the bottom of the economic pyramid.

He said the government will not be distracted by political noise, reiterating that its development agenda takes precedence.

“We are serious about this promise. Let’s work first, politics can come later,” he stated.

He also affirmed that empowerment forums targeting mama mboga and boda boda operators will continue countrywide, with the goal of helping small-scale traders expand their businesses and boost earnings.

“Anyone opposed to these initiatives should openly declare that they are not in favor of empowering small traders to better their lives,” he challenged.

In addition, the DP announced plans to expand the Climate WorX programme--currently active in Nairobi--to other counties.

The programme focuses on environmental restoration, including cleaning river basins and unclogging waterways and sewerage systems, while creating green jobs for the youth.

Prof Kindiki further revealed that the government is constructing 17 modern markets across Nakuru County, with six more in the pipeline.

Key projects include the Naivasha market (Sh350 million), Mai Mahiu (Sh200 million), and facilities in Oserian and Kinungi (Sh70 million each), which are expected to be completed by the end of the year.

“I will be coming here frequently to monitor the progress of these projects--roads, electricity, markets, and others. Once they are complete, the President will officially open them,” he said.

The Deputy President also addressed ongoing efforts to support victims of the recent Mai Mahiu dam tragedy, assuring residents that plans to acquire land for their resettlement are underway.

“We are in the final stages of negotiations to purchase land and relocate the affected families. This process will be completed soon,” he said.

The initiatives, Prof Kindiki noted, are part of the government’s broader goal to stimulate local economies and deliver tangible development at the grassroots level.