Gatundu South Member of Parliament Moses Kuria has issued a 70-day ultimatum to Kiambu traders to register with SACCOs in order to access funds set aside by his government if he wins the county's gubernatorial race.
According to Kuria, his government will allocate Ksh100 million to each of the 12 Kiambu constituencies to assist traders in uplifting their businesses, making a cumulative total of Ksh1.2 billion accessible to traders across the county.
The funds will be remitted to the SACCOs kitty every financial year, with traders required to join a SACCO of their choice within the 70-day timeframe to access the money.
Kuria's statement was in line with Deputy President William Ruto's campaign strategy to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the country, with Ruto promising to set aside Ksh150 million for each constituency.
However, Kuria has pledged to top up the amount with an additional Ksh100 million, making the total amount accessible for each constituency Ksh250 million.
"The Single most factor that's chaining our people to poverty is access to credit and capital. This country officially belongs to Shylocks," Kuria stated in his statement.
He noted that the Hustlers Fund Loans will attract a maximum of 5 per cent interest per year, and that traders have 70 days left to join a SACCO of their choice in Kiambu County.
The Kiambu gubernatorial race has attracted top political leaders, including incumbent Governor James Nyoro, who will face off with four candidates allied to the Kenya Kwanza Coalition.
