More than 100,000 micro and small enterprises nationwide are set to benefit from a Sh5 billion grant aimed at strengthening their operations, President William Ruto has revealed.

Speaking during the announcement, the President said the government working in collaboration with the World Bank will disburse Sh50,000 each to around 70 small-scale entrepreneurs per ward.

This translates to a total of Sh3.5 million allocated to every one of the 1,450 wards across the country.

According to President Ruto, the initiative is designed to uplift grassroots businesses and reinforce ongoing government efforts targeting economic empowerment, particularly for individuals operating at the lower end of the financial spectrum.

“This initiative is not a gimmick or a short-term intervention; it is a key pledge in our manifesto aimed at uplifting those at the base of the economic pyramid,” President William Ruto affirmed.

He made the remarks during an interdenominational church service held at Friends Comprehensive School Kivaywa in Likuyani, Kakamega County.

The Head of State was joined by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mlongo, Governors Fernandes Barasa (Kakamega), Ken Lusaka (Bungoma), Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi), and a host of Members of Parliament.

President Ruto reiterated his administration’s resolve to eliminate divisive practices rooted in ethnicity, region, or religion.

He noted that the inclusive nature of his government has helped foster national unity and mobilize citizens around a common vision of progress and transformation.

President William Ruto reiterated his administration’s resolve to implement transformative programmes aimed at improving the lives of Kenyans.

He highlighted key priority areas including agricultural reforms, universal health coverage, affordable housing, the establishment of modern fresh produce markets, and the creation of digital job opportunities.

“This task cannot be accomplished by an individual or a single faction. That’s why we are calling for unity and collective effort to move the country forward,” he stated.

Addressing critics of the government’s agenda, President Ruto said they lack a concrete alternative to drive meaningful change.

Instead, he accused them of advancing divisive rhetoric, fueling tribalism, and relying on anti-government slogans rather than offering solutions to uplift the nation.

President William Ruto noted that the government has undertaken significant reforms in the agricultural sector, resulting in improved incomes for farmers.

He pointed to subsidized fertilizer and ongoing revamps in the maize, sugar, and coffee sub-sectors as key indicators of progress.

He also encouraged Kenyans to enroll in the Social Health Authority (SHA) to access public health insurance benefits.

Since October 2024, over 4.5 million Kenyans have received medical services under SHA, with the government covering costs amounting to Sh41 billion, the President revealed.

On employment creation, he emphasized that the government is actively rolling out the Affordable Housing Programme, constructing modern fresh produce markets, promoting digital job opportunities, and supporting labor export initiatives all aimed at expanding job prospects, especially for the youth.

“As we speak, more than 400,000 young Kenyans are employed in various countries around the world,” President William Ruto stated.

Highlighting development efforts in Kakamega County, the President announced that KSh3 billion has been set aside to connect 35,000 households to the national electricity grid.

He also confirmed that the government has resumed construction on several stalled road projects in the county, naming specific roads currently under development.

On major infrastructure projects across Western Kenya, President Ruto revealed that the dualling of the Rironi–Mau Summit–Eldoret–Malaba highway is set to begin in August.

In addition, the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha is scheduled to kick off by the end of the year.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula applauded the President’s efforts to unite the country and drive inclusive growth, saying: “We must acknowledge the bold steps you’re taking to transform every sector of our economy.”

Governor Johnson Sakaja emphasized that the government is rolling out development initiatives equitably, with a clear focus on ensuring balanced progress across all regions.

“Never again will any part of this country face marginalization,” he declared.

Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka praised President William Ruto’s performance, stating that his development record already warrants a second term in office.

Meanwhile, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa called for a comprehensive investigation into the killing of Albert Ojwang, urging authorities to pursue justice without delay.