When the Hustler Fund was launched in late 2022, it carried a significant impact in President Ruto’s development agenda.

Its main agenda was make affordable credit accessible to millions of Kenyans who had long been locked out of traditional financing.

Today, more than two years later, the fund is no longer just a campaign pledge – it has become one of the most widely used financial tools in the country.

Accessibility

One of the Hustler Fund’s strongest selling points is its simplicity.

With nothing more than a mobile phone, any Kenyan can access instant credit.

There is no need for guarantors, complicated forms, or collateral.

Through USSD codes and mobile apps, the Hustler Fund has democratized lending, ensuring that credit is not the privilege of a few but the right of every hustler looking for a fair shot at growth.

This ease of access is why over 23M Kenyans have already borrowed from the fund, according to government data.

For many, it represents their first encounter with formal credit.

The Impact

The numbers tell a compelling story.

By 2025, the Hustler Fund had disbursed over Ksh50B, with repayment rates consistently improving as borrowers build trust and credit history.

More than 7M Kenyans have become repeat borrowers, using the fund not just for emergencies but as a steppingstone for small business growth.

Micro-traders in open-air markets, boda boda riders, and small-scale farmers remain the backbone of the program.

With loan limits gradually increasing for consistent repayment, beneficiaries are able to scale up – buying extra stock, upgrading equipment, or covering school fees without falling prey to predatory lending.

The Stories of Change

Take the example of Grace, a vegetable vendor in Kisumu.

Before the Hustler Fund, she relied on shylocks who charged exorbitant rates.

Today, she takes small loans directly from her phone, restocks her stall, and repays within weeks.

“I no longer fear debt collectors,” she says. “The Hustler Fund treats me with dignity.”

Or, consider Daniel, a Boda Boda rider in Kitengela.

With a steady borrowing history, his loan limit has doubled since 2023.

He recently used the proceeds to service his motorcycle and invest in a side hustle selling phone accessories.

“The money is small, but it gives me a push. That’s how we survive and grow,” he explains.

These are the stories that show the Hustler Fund is not just about shillings and statistics.

It’s about dignity, opportunity, and empowerment.

A Savings and Repayment Culture 

An often-overlooked element of the Hustler Fund is how it integrates savings.

Every borrower automatically contributes a portion of their loan into a savings account, building a financial cushion for the future.

For a country where savings rates have historically been low, this feature is quietly reshaping financial culture from the ground up.

Moreover, the fund has introduced credit scoring for informal sector players.

This is helping build the foundation for future access to bigger financial products such as SME loans, insurance, and mortgages.

The Future of Hustler Fund

As the government continues to review and strengthen the program, the Hustler Fund is expanding to include group loans, co-operative lending, and partnerships with Saccos.

This means that even community-based initiatives can tap into affordable financing.

The larger vision, as articulated by President William Ruto, is to integrate hustlers into the formal economy – giving them tools, credit histories, and the financial muscle to compete fairly.

In just three years, the Hustler Fund has proven that financial inclusion is not an abstract dream.

It is here, it is digital, and it is transforming lives every day.