Thousands of Kenyan youths who failed to repay the Hustler Fund loans will miss out on the government’s latest financial empowerment initiative known as NYOTA (National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement).
According to information gathered from government officials during a nationwide sensitization drive, the new programme targets young people with innovative ideas but excludes anyone listed as a Hustler Fund defaulter.
The move, officials say, is meant to promote responsibility and ensure that only trustworthy applicants benefit from public funds.
During a forum held at the Maasai National Technical Institute in Kajiado County, Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho urged youths to take advantage of the opportunity while maintaining a clean borrowing record.
He emphasized that every applicant will undergo a strict verification process, starting from online registration to vetting by local committees.
“Those with pending Hustler Fund debts may not qualify for NYOTA,” Kimotho explained, noting that only seventy (70) youths will be selected from each ward.
The same message was echoed in Migori County, where Social Protection PS Joseph Montari told residents that anyone who failed to pay back previous government loans would automatically be disqualified.
“You cannot be trusted with another loan when you still owe the government. Clear your Hustler Fund balance if you want to benefit,” Montari advised.
The project is being implemented in partnership with the World Bank as part of Kenya’s ongoing efforts to address youth unemployment and promote self-reliance.
Since its launch in 2022, the Hustler Fund has faced serious repayment challenges. Data from the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises shows that more than Ksh.5 billion remains unpaid.
Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni recently warned that defaulters would also be denied access to other upcoming credit facilities such as the Social Health Authority (SHA) Lipa Pole Pole scheme.
As the government rolls out NYOTA across the 1,450 wards, officials are urging young people to repay their debts and maintain good standing, saying that financial discipline is key to sustainable empowerment.
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