President William Ruto has announced the launch of a new empowerment fund targeting over 600,000 single mothers and women across Kenya.
Speaking during the funeral of Mzee Weston Kanja, the father of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, in Thome, Laikipia County, the President said the initiative aims to equip women with business skills and open access to financial opportunities under the government’s economic inclusion agenda.
The new scheme will complement the ongoing NYOTA Program, which trains and finances vulnerable groups, helping them gain technical skills, mentorship, and market access.
“Women, you now have your chance. We want single mothers and all women to come forward for training through either national or county government programs,” President Ruto said, adding that the initiative seeks to economically uplift families and promote self-reliance.
The program will run under the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) framework, which allocates a percentage of public tenders to women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Although the Head of State did not reveal specific disbursement details, he confirmed that the government will begin releasing funds for the World Bank-backed NYOTA Program from November 4, with Ksh20 billion set aside to support youth and women-led enterprises.
Ruto added that a nationwide verification exercise will commence this Friday across all 290 constituencies to ensure only eligible participants benefit from the initiative.
