By Robert Mutasi 
The Hustler Fund is set to hold an empowerment forum in Uasin Gishu County to help young entrepreneurs and successful borrowers strengthen their businesses through financial education, mentorship and improved business management skills.
The forum, scheduled for October 22, 2026, will bring together top-performing borrowers and young people from across the county to explore ways of expanding enterprises, accessing affordable financing and creating sustainable livelihoods.
The initiative will be organised by the Hustler Fund in partnership with Tukuze Hub, a programme designed to support borrowers who have demonstrated responsible borrowing and consistent loan repayment.
Preparations for the event gained momentum on Thursday after Uasin Gishu County Chief Officer for Trade and Cooperatives Elphas Kesio met a delegation from the Hustler Fund at the county headquarters for a planning and sensitisation meeting.
Kesio welcomed the initiative, saying it supports the county government’s efforts to expand economic opportunities for young people and small-scale traders.
He emphasised the importance of educating beneficiaries on responsible borrowing, proper use of credit and timely repayment to ensure loans contribute to business growth and improved household incomes.
Hustler Fund Chief Executive Officer Henry Tanui said the programme seeks to improve public understanding of the fund and equip borrowers with the financial knowledge needed to turn credit into productive investments.
Tanui noted that access to financing must be accompanied by practical business skills to help entrepreneurs strengthen their enterprises and increase their earnings.
The planned forum is expected to provide participants with guidance on using loans to expand existing businesses and identify new opportunities in the local economy.
The initiative comes as the Hustler Fund steps up efforts to help successful borrowers improve their business performance and prepare for further growth.
Launched in July 2026, Tukuze Hub is being implemented through a pilot programme in Uasin Gishu, Mombasa and Nyeri counties. The initiative works with selected borrowers who have maintained good repayment records, offering training, coaching and expert advice to help them build stronger businesses.
The programme is being delivered with support from Strathmore University and the African Management Institute, which bring expertise in enterprise development, business training and mentorship.
Participation in Tukuze Hub is voluntary and free of charge. It does not provide additional loans, grants or cash payments. Instead, it focuses on equipping eligible borrowers with the knowledge and skills to improve their businesses and increase their incomes.
The pilot programme is expected to inform a possible national rollout in 2027.
For entrepreneurs in Uasin Gishu, the October 22 forum offers an opportunity to learn how responsible borrowing, sound financial management and business planning can support enterprise development and strengthen livelihoods.