This archive report was first published on 10 July 2020.
July 10, 2020 - Nairobi, Kenya - Deputy President William Ruto has emphasized the government's commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses in Kenya. Speaking at his Karen residence during an empowerment programme for Nairobi County youth and women groups, Ruto noted that small businesses are crucial to the country's economic growth.
He stated that it is the government's responsibility to ensure policies support every sector of the economy, including small businesses. Ruto further emphasized the importance of formalizing the informal business sector to create more opportunities and earn the government more taxes.
He called on the youth to embrace small businesses, assuring them of government support. Ruto also urged Kenyans of goodwill to step forward and support those whose income had been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that government programmes might not reach everyone.
MPs George Theuri, Benjamin Gathiru, Nixon Korir, and Nominated Senator Milicent Omanga accompanied Ruto during the programme. Korir and Omanga commended the initiative, with Korir urging the beneficiaries to utilize the opportunity to improve their lives and Omanga describing it as a step in the right direction in addressing challenges facing youth and women in Nairobi.
