Hope for the Hustle: Government Unveils KSh105 Billion Boost for Youth and Small Businesses
Young people and small business owners now have a reason to smile.
During the 2025/2026 Budget reading on Thursday, June 12, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi announced that the government has set aside KSh105.6 billion to empower youth and support small businesses across the country.
Speaking before Parliament, Mbadi broke down the ambitious allocation.
“I have proposed KSh105.6 billion for these initiatives,” Mbadi stated. “This allocation includes: KSh10.0 billion for the National Youth Service; KSh3.6 billion to National Youth Opportunity Towards Advancement (NYOTA), and KSh318 million for the Youth Enterprise Development Fund.”
But that’s not all.
Mbadi also revealed that KSh990 million has been directed to the Film Development Services under the creative economy.
“In addition, I have proposed KSh990 million for Film Development Services,” he added.
This marks one of the largest financial commitments to the arts and entertainment industry in recent memory.
Loans, Jobs, and Real Opportunities
Moreover, the Hustler Fund, which provides low-interest loans to small businesses and households, will receive a KSh300 million top-up.
“I have proposed an additional allocation of KSh300 million to the Hustler Fund to scale up access to credit for households and MSMEs,” Mbadi explained.
In yet another win for young entrepreneurs, the Youth Enterprise Development Fund will be boosted with an extra KSh308 million to make loans more accessible.
“I have also proposed an additional KSh308 million for the Youth Enterprise Development Fund,” said the CS.
These funds aim to ease financing hurdles and unlock business growth for the youth and struggling small business owners.
110,000 New Jobs with Climate WorX
To tackle unemployment, Mbadi unveiled the expansion of the Climate WorX programme, a job-creation initiative that began in Nairobi’s informal settlements last year.
The plan now targets all 47 counties, aiming to employ over 110,000 youth.
“The youth will help build roads, plant trees, and clean up the environment in their neighbourhoods,” Mbadi said.
He emphasized that the initiative is not just about jobs.
“It’s a social support programme that empowers young people to improve their communities,” he noted.
The Treasury’s new budget appears to be more than just numbers—it’s a direct response to youth unemployment, economic strain, and the need to grow the creative sector.
ALSO READ; US Embassy Warns Citizens to Be on High Alert in Nairobi CBD Amid Protests
Hope for the Hustle: Government Unveils KSh105 Billion Boost for Youth and Small Businesses
