Hustler Fund borrowers with good repayment records will enjoy additional benefits after a new growth initiative was launched on Wednesday.
The growth initiative, dubbed Tukuze Hub, provides capacity building, financial literacy and documentation of success stories.
It helps selected borrowers identify new opportunities, increase their income and build stronger businesses, according to Hustler Fund’s Geoffrey Ochande.
He said the Tukuze Hub is a key reward for responsible Hustler Fund borrowers. Ochande spoke at a Hustler Fund Town Hall in Mombasa on Wednesday.
“The hub demonstrates how responsible borrowing can unlock access to business development support, helping entrepreneurs build stronger enterprises, create jobs and contribute to Kenya’s economic growth,” he said.
Tukuze Hub is a partnership with Strathmore University and the African Management Institute (AMI), institutions with extensive experience in business training and enterprise development across Kenya.
Selected borrowers, identified based on their good repayment records, receive an SMS inviting them to a short interview with a member of the Hustler Fund team.
The interview confirms eligibility and provides more information about Tukuze Hub and the support available.
Eligible borrowers are then introduced to a Hustler Fund Baraza, designed as an interactive business forum that goes beyond a traditional government event.
“It aims to celebrate responsible borrowers, strengthen financial literacy and promote a culture of responsible borrowing and timely repayment while connecting entrepreneurs to opportunities that support business growth,” Ochande said.
Through engaging discussions and direct interaction with Hustler Fund leadership, national and county government leaders, financial institutions, business support partners and fellow entrepreneurs, participants gain practical knowledge to strengthen and grow their enterprises.
Ochande said the baraza seeks to leave entrepreneurs inspired to adopt sound business practices and take advantage of the many opportunities available to expand their businesses.
He said the Hustler Fund was established to expand access to affordable financial services for Kenyans who have traditionally been excluded from formal finance.
Ochande said the fund’s success should be measured not only by the amount of credit disbursed but also by the positive impact it has on people’s lives and businesses.
“That is why it is important for beneficiary success stories to be told in demonstrating the fund’s real impact. This partnership we have entered into will also inform future improvements,” he said.
Ochande said the fund aims to move beyond providing credit by promoting responsible borrowing, savings, financial capability, stronger enterprise growth and deeper financial inclusion.
“We encourage beneficiaries to borrow with purpose, invest wisely, save consistently and repay their loans responsibly.
“We, as stakeholders, should work together to ensure the people of Mombasa derive even greater value from the opportunities created by the Hustler Fund,” he said.
AMI programme manager Mercy Murigi and Strathmore University Associate director in charge of grants Cavin Otieno said their aim is to empower micro, small and medium enterprises through targeted capacity building, financial literacy and business development support.
They said equipping entrepreneurs with practical skills, financial management knowledge and sustainable business practices is essential to strengthening enterprises, enhancing their resilience and accelerating their growth and long-term success.
