Give Dr Ruto time to raise ‘Hustler Nation Fund’

By: Joseph Mutua Ndonga

Worth Noting:

• For the President, I know it will not be business as usual. Having served the previous administrations and in particular the governments of President Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, I’m sure he knows where the problem lies.
• These two governments had rolled out similar program me [Uwezo, Youth and Women funds] while in keeping with their respective election promises.
• Though budgetary allocations running into billions of shillings were made, numerous complaints were lodged which ranged from. Most of those listed as beneficiaries did not receive the funds. Instead, a huge chunk would go to those categorized as middle and big income earners.

One of the reasons Kenyans turned up in large numbers to vote for the United Democratic Alliance [UDA] candidate William Samoei Ruto was hinged on the promise of rolling out the ‘Hustler Nation Fund’.

Majority of Kenyans were reeling under the weight of hard economic times and they would attribute this to poor leadership of Handshake partners-President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

These two families and that of former President Daniel Arap cannot understand the problem of the ordinary people because they hailed from rich families, commonly referred as dynasties.

Today Dr William Ruto is at the helm of power. I have been listening carefully to his speeches since he was sworn in as fifth President of the republic of Kenya and one is clear. The pledge of the ‘hustler fund’ is very close to his heart.

When he made his first address to the joint session of parliament and senate a few days ago, he assured mama mboga, boda boda other Kenyans under this category that his government will soon put aside Sh50 billion. This money will promote and boost SMSs and every Kenyan will be able to access the interest-free loan.

I want to see your businesses growing up so that each one of you can make good profit and savings.

He called on the two houses to fast track the process of enacting the necessary legal frame work.

During the debate members of parliament will be expected to focus on three other considerations; the grace period and repayment timelines and how the lender [in this case the government] would deal with defaulters.

For the President, I know it will not be business as usual. Having served the previous administrations and in particular the governments of President Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, I’m sure he knows where the problem lies.

These two governments had rolled out similar program me [Uwezo, Youth and Women funds] while in keeping with their respective election promises.

Though budgetary allocations running into billions of shillings were made, numerous complaints were lodged which ranged from. Most of those listed as beneficiaries did not receive the funds.  Instead, a huge chunk would go to those categorized as middle and big income earners.

Besides, individuals were not eligible and also delay in releasing the funds.

The state officials entrusted with managing these funds were also put on spotlight. They would be accused of engaging in underhand and corrupt dealings.

One of tricks they used is diverting a chunk of funds to their friends, relatives and political crones. They would use them as a conduit and pay them some commission once the deal has succeeded. So, they will end up pocketing the lion share.

This time, I’m sure the President will ensure people appointed to manage these funds have good track records. They are honest and clean personalities never associated with corruption.

During his address to bicameral parliament, the President minced no word in warning the corrupt riddled personalities that their days were numbered. I’m prepared to deal with these individuals because I want to see the country moving forwards.

With this, many would expect to see the heads rolling. It is worth noting a host of leaders in both sides of political divide have been adversely mentioned in mega corruption scandals.

Some of them are top members of Kenya Kwanza coalition and had played a vital role in campaigning for Dr Ruto’s victory. Here I know the President will be in a Catch-22 situation but I have no doubt he will stand for common good of the country.

Some of them have even been nominated to serve as cabinet ministers. If the Courts find them guilty, they will be required to relinquish their positions. That is if parliament will vet and approve their names.

Those, who served in the government of former President Uhuru Kenyatta and had been mentioned in corruption, will face the same music.

The problem of corruption has been recurring and at times rearing ugly head. So if President Ruto manages to slay this dragon, this will be a key step in the right direction. As Kenyans, our duty is to support him in this war. I wish him well. 

Joseph Mutua Ndonga is a Writer and Political Analyst based in Nairobi