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DP Kindiki defends dishing out money to traders amid harambee queries
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki addresses residents of Kiawara in Nyeri County during a fundraiser for an empowerment programme for small-scale traders and saccos on May 22, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Prof Kindiki said the programme was important in transforming the rural areas and accelerating national development.
- The DP said the government is focused on uplifting traders and farmers by injecting more capital into grassroots economies.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has defended what he calls an economic empowerment programme in which the government is dishing out millions of shillings to traders across the country, saying it was the best way of boosting informal businesses.
Over the past two months, Prof Kindiki and other Kenya Kwanza leaders have criss-crossed the country and have so far given out over Sh100 million to women groups, youths and boda boda operators, drawing criticism over source of the funds. The trend has raised fresh questions over the controversial subject of harambees.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki (second left) with Energy PS Alex Wachira (left) and Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri at Kiawara in Nyeri County on May 22, 2025.
However, the DP said he would not stop traversing the country empowering the youth and women.
“We have a habit where politicians come with promises during the campaigns. We have decided to concentrate on mashinani (grassroots) empowering mama mboga and boda boda operators. Those opposing the programme are rich people in Nairobi. They want us to stop this so that they can have promises during the campaigns. No, we must do it now,” Prof Kindiki said.
He said the programme was important in transforming the rural areas and accelerating national development.
Speaking during an economic empowerment meeting for small-scale businesses and boda boda riders in Kiawara Market in Nyeri Friday, the Deputy President said the government is focused on uplifting traders and farmers by injecting more capital into grassroots economies.
“The interventions we are undertaking now are the ones that will drive our economy forward. We must begin by improving rural areas and supporting small businesses and farmers,” he said.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki greets leaders upon arrival at Kiawara in Nyeri County on May 22, 2025.
He explained that the government is constructing 400 modern markets across the country to support informal traders, many of whom operate in underserved areas. The new facilities will include social halls, washrooms, ICT centres, and lactation rooms.
“In areas like Kiawara, most residents are hawkers. These modern markets will give them dignity and a safe space to do business,” he said.
Prof Kindiki added that the government also plans to roll out affordable housing projects in rural towns, which he said would create job opportunities and improve rural living conditions.
“Kenya’s economy can only grow if we focus more on local solutions and direct more resources to the grassroots,” he said, adding that the country had now risen to become the sixth largest economy on the continent.
During the meeting, he announced an additional Sh650 million on top of Sh850 million for the Last Mile electricity connectivity project in Nyeri county, raising the total allocation to Sh1.5 billion.
The Deputy President also urged youths to take full advantage of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (Nyota) programme, a government initiative aimed at empowering vulnerable youth through training, entrepreneurship support, and job placement.
“Through the programme, one can get financial support of about Sh50,000 and start a business,” he said.
The DP said President William Ruto's government will not be distracted by political sideshows.
“We won’t dance to their tune. Let them do politics while we work and deliver on our promises. That is why were elected,” said the DP.
Prof Kindiki also defended former President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying he is not to blame for the poor economy.
Speaking in Ndaragua, the DP said President Ruto found empty coffers, but said Mr Kenyatta was not to blame for the situation.
“Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta and Mwai Kibaki did a good job reviving and stabilising the economy. But during Uhuru’s administration, the country was hit by Covid-19 slowing down economic growth. That is why we found empty coffers. We can’t blame Uhuru. President Ruto has worked tirelessly the last two years to stabilise the economy and things are now better, the future is now bright,” said the DP.
The DP further said the government has employed over 75,000 teachers since 2002, adding that additional 25,000 teachers to make 100,000 employed teachers by end of year promising to ensure the completion of all government projects in the country.
“We are aware that Nyandarua lags behind compared to other Central region, this is in terms of roads, electricity and other developments. The President is aware of those facts and has given specific instructions about it. This is in addition to 15 markets to be constructed in Nyandarua. I will be here on weekly basis to ensure that Nyandarua moves ahead,” assured the DP.