President William Ruto has praised the people of Nyeri County for their exemplary use of the Hustler Fund, highlighting their discipline and trustworthiness during a church service in Nyeri on Sunday, January 11, 2026.

Ruto spoke at ACK St Paul’s Church in Kariki, Othaya Constituency, where Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Senator Wahome Wamatinga, and other local leaders were in attendance.

“Jambo moja ningependa kuwapongeza watu wa Nyeri. Kenya mzima, county ambayo inajua kutumia pesa na kufanya biashara, ni county ya Nyeri. Nimeshangaa sana,” Ruto told the congregation.

He singled out Nyeri as the best-performing county in Kenya when it comes to handling money and doing business.

The President also highlighted the county’s top position in the Hustler Fund programme. He said borrowers in Nyeri take loans and repay them promptly, setting a national example.

“Pale kwa Hustler Fund, wale watu wanakopa pesa kwa Hustle Fund na kulipa, ni watu wa Nyeri. Number one in Kenya,” he said.

He described the residents as very trustworthy:

“Nyinyi ni watu waaminifu sana.”

“Watu wengi sasa wa Nyeri, wametoka kukopa 500, sasa watu wako 10,000, 15,000, 20,000, wakisonga. Wengine wamefika 150,000. I must say this when I’m in Nyeri. Kwamba, you people deserve commendation.”

Launched in November 2022, the Hustler Fund provides instant digital loans at low interest rates through mobile phones. It targets small businesses, informal traders, and individuals who struggle to access traditional bank credit. The government promotes it as a tool to boost entrepreneurship, create jobs, and support the so-called “hustler” economy.

Nyeri County has a long history of strong repayment under the programme. Reports in 2023 showed the county led nationally in Hustler Fund repayments shortly after its launch. Residents borrowed and cleared debts faster than borrowers in other counties, including Nakuru, Kiambu, and Nairobi.

Ruto’s remarks suggest that this trend continues, cementing Nyeri’s status as a model county.

Updates on key initiatives

The President’s praise came during a broader service where he also addressed inclusivity and development. He referred to his decision to appoint Mutahi Kagwe as Agriculture Cabinet Secretary despite Kagwe not supporting him in the 2022 election.

Ruto also provided updates on the Mwai Kibaki Teaching and Referral Hospital in Othaya, noting its independence from Kenyatta National Hospital, a one-billion-shilling government allocation, and completed designs ready for contractors.