Nyeri:Hustler Fund has launched a new business mentorship program in Nyeri County, aimed at providing top-performing borrowers with free training to transform their small-scale ventures into sustainable enterprises.
According to Kenya News Agency, the initiative, named Tukuze Hub, is a collaboration between Hustler Fund, Strathmore University Business School, and the African Management Institute (AMI). It offers selected borrowers business training, financial literacy, and personalized mentorship to enhance revenue, scale their businesses, and create new job opportunities.
Hustler Fund CEO Henry Tanui noted that the program, which was initially introduced in Mombasa County in July, represents a strategic shift from merely providing loans to actively supporting business growth and sustainability. The Fund now emphasizes the long-term viability of businesses and job creation, based on insights from customer borrowing and spending patterns.
Tanui highlighted Nyeri’s strong borrowing and repayment record, with 400,000 residents borrowing a total of Sh1.84 billion over the past four years and a repayment rate of 91%. He explained that borrowers in Nyeri often finance agricultural businesses, which has contributed to the decision to pilot the program in the county.
As of October 7, the Fund had issued Sh92 billion in loans, with Sh78 billion repaid and Sh7 billion saved by borrowers. A system is being developed to use this data for a national credit rating, potentially expanding access to financial services for Kenyans with good repayment histories.
Jennifer Kiiru from Strathmore University Business School stated that the program will offer tailored advisory support to identify and address business weaknesses, helping entrepreneurs to increase revenues and reduce dependency on Hustler Fund financing.
Rebecca Harrison, CEO of AMI, outlined that the six-month training will combine digital learning and hands-on mentorship, focusing on business planning, customer attraction, financial management, and employee management. A cohort-based approach will allow entrepreneurs to learn from each other and implement practical tools in their businesses.
Nyeri County Commissioner Josephat Biwott praised the initiative, emphasizing that Hustler Fund credit has the potential to improve livelihoods if the new skills are applied effectively. He urged residents to focus on development rather than politicizing government projects.
