President William Ruto has unveiled a new government fund to train and economically empower 600,000 single mothers and women across Kenya.
The President made the announcement on Thursday during the funeral service of Weston Kanja, father to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, in Thome, Laikipia County. He emphasized that the initiative, which will be rolled out through both national and county government programmes, is designed to equip women with practical business skills, mentorship, and tools to support entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.
“We want single mothers and all women to come forward. We are looking for 600,000 of them for training so they can learn how to run businesses and empower themselves,” President Ruto said.
Further details on the structure of the fund, including whether direct financial grants or loans will be offered are expected to be released in the coming weeks. However, Ruto clarified that the programme will complement the existing NYOTA Programme, a World Bank-backed initiative supporting vulnerable groups, including women and youth, with training, mentorship, and access to capital.
The NYOTA Programme is set to begin disbursing funds from November 4, 2025, with a total allocation of Ksh 20 billion, and will also recognize prior learning for young people with informal or technical skills.
The new women’s empowerment fund will operate under the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) framework, which reserves a percentage of public procurement tenders for women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
To qualify for AGPO certification and access government contracts, enterprises must be at least 70 percent owned by women or youth, or 51 percent owned by PWDs. The initiative is expected to greatly expand women’s participation in business, public procurement, and job creation.
A nationwide verification exercise is slated to begin in all 290 constituencies from October 24 to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries are enrolled in the NYOTA Programme.
About 90,000 young people will also gain access to technical and vocational training, with those possessing informal experience being recognized through prior learning certification,further enhancing their employability.
The launch of the new fund underscores the government’s broader commitment to economic inclusion, with a special focus on supporting single mothers and women who have historically faced significant barriers to education, training, financing, and entrepreneurship.
By providing comprehensive skills development and linking women to procurement and funding opportunities, the government aims to foster self-reliance, boost job creation, and promote sustainable economic growth for women across Kenya.
