By EldoretLeo 
The Hustler Fund, also known as the Financial Inclusion Fund, has urged beneficiaries in Uasin Gishu County to invest borrowed money in productive business ventures to expand their enterprises, create wealth and improve their livelihoods.
The call was made during a town hall engagement held in Eldoret, bringing together hundreds of Hustler Fund beneficiaries, top borrowers and young entrepreneurs from across the county.
Hustler Fund Chief Executive Officer Henry Tanui said the programme was committed to transforming the economic lives of Kenyans by promoting responsible borrowing, financial literacy and enterprise development.
Tanui emphasised that borrowers should use the loans for their intended purposes rather than diverting the money to non-productive activities.
He encouraged entrepreneurs to remain focused on their business goals, work diligently and ensure that every amount borrowed contributes towards improving their financial position.
According to Tanui, the fund is working with financial and business experts, as well as county governments, to equip beneficiaries with the knowledge and skills needed to manage their businesses effectively.
“We have also carried out a series of training programmes to ensure the borrowers are empowered financially so that they use funds well to expand investments,” Tanui said.
He added that the programme was not only focused on providing affordable credit but also preparing successful borrowers to access larger financing opportunities from established financial institutions.
Tanui explained that the fund was training beneficiaries who had demonstrated responsible borrowing and repayment habits to enable them to transition to commercial banks and other private-sector lenders.
“We have had experts training our successful borrowers on how best to manage more financial support, which they can access from financial institutions in the private sector,” he said.
The initiative is expected to help entrepreneurs build stronger businesses and improve their capacity to qualify for larger credit facilities as their enterprises grow.
Trade Executive Dr Philip Chebunet, who also addressed the meeting, urged beneficiaries to develop clear business objectives and exercise financial discipline when accessing credit.
Chebunet praised the Hustler Fund for widening access to affordable financing, noting that the programme had created opportunities for Kenyans to obtain credit based on their borrowing limits and entrepreneurial needs.
He encouraged beneficiaries to prioritise income-generating activities, explaining that investing in viable businesses would increase earnings, strengthen enterprises and improve their ability to repay loans.
Cooperatives Chief Officer Elphas Kesio welcomed the collaboration between the national and county governments, saying joint efforts were essential in promoting economic inclusion and improving the welfare of residents.
Kesio noted that partnerships between government institutions were important in ensuring entrepreneurs received the necessary support to develop sustainable businesses.
The Eldoret town hall also provided an opportunity for beneficiaries to learn practical lessons on business management, responsible borrowing, financial planning and effective utilisation of credit.
Several entrepreneurs shared their experiences, explaining how access to Hustler Fund loans had helped them sustain their businesses, meet financial obligations and pursue expansion opportunities.
Their testimonies highlighted the role of accessible credit in supporting small-scale enterprises and strengthening economic activities at the grassroots level.
The engagement forms part of broader efforts by the Hustler Fund to promote financial inclusion by supporting small businesses, young entrepreneurs and individuals who may face challenges accessing conventional bank loans.
Through financial literacy training, business mentorship and partnerships with other financial institutions, the fund seeks to help borrowers move beyond short-term credit access towards building sustainable enterprises.
For entrepreneurs in Eldoret and the wider Uasin Gishu region, the programme presents an opportunity to strengthen their businesses, create employment and contribute to the county’s growing economy.
Eldoret Leo 
Baraka Simba