How to Apply for the Hustlers' Fund

UPDATE November, 30, 2022: The Government has finally released the specific details of applying for the Hustler Fund which was formally launched on Wednesday, November 20, 2022. The fund is now accessible through the USSD code *254# and also through the mobile application platforms of all the mobile network operators in Kenya. That includes Airtel Kenya, Telkom Kenya and Safaricom.

To register for an account on the Hustler Fund platform, you are required to sign up for the fund through the USSD code or the mobile app of your mobile service provider.

You will then be required to accept the Terms and Conditions to join the Hustler Fund, then enter your mobile money PIN.

Next, an SMS should be sent to your mobile phone number registered on mobile money notifying you of a successful registration and the borrowing limit assigned to your profile. If a registration fails, you will also be notified via SMS.

Hustler Fund Application in Detail>> How to Apply for the Hustler Fund on Your Mobile Phone

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Following the Cabinet's approval on Tuesday, November 15, disbursement of the Ksh50 billion annual Hustlers' Fund kitty has been set to commence on December 1, 2022. The funds, which are available to individuals, groups, small enterprises and co-operatives will be offered at a one-digit interest rate of 8% per annum.

Initially the communication from the cabinet had indicated that the loans will range from a minimum of Ksh500 to a maximum of Ksh50,000. President William Ruto would later on Wednesday clarify that the Ksh50,000 maximum was set for individual borrowers and that other categories would have a higher limit.

As such, it is now understood that the Hustlers Fund will offer three types of loans, or rather will loan on three different levels.

1. Loans to individuals
2. Loans to groups
3. and Loans to small enterprises and co-operatives.

"The amount of money available on the personal loan platform is Ksh500 - Ksh50,000. The next product for chamas will start from Ksh50,000 to Ksh250,000, then the next one will climb up like that as we continue to roll out the fund," Ruto stated during a Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group meeting at State House.

The details on the eligibility process for loans to groups and small enterprises remain scanty.

Loans from the Hustlers Fund will be accessible through financial institutions like banks, microfinance institutions, and Saccos. 

This article will go over the requirements and how to apply for the hustler fund as an individual.

Read Also: Ksh500 to 50k: How Ksh50B Hustlers Fund Will Be Distributed

Eligibility Requirements

All Kenyans interested in applying for the hustler fund should meet the following criteria;

• Be a permanent Kenyan resident.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a valid Good Conduct certificate.
• Belong to the low-income bracket group.
• Be members of any of the credit societies or investment groups that will act as their guarantors.

Read Also: CBK Rescues Kenyans Listed on CRB Over 30-Day Loans

Hustler Fund Loan Limits

Loan amounts from the Hustler Fund will range from Ksh500 to Ksh50,000 for individuals.

The loan amounts disbursed to each application will differ based on the customer's business needs.

How to Apply

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for a loan once it's rolled out. Here is the application process;

1. Form a women's or a youth group.

2. Create a business proposal.

3. Produce a Certificate of Good Conduct.

4. Provide your home address.

5. Collect the signatures of four guarantors. You must be related to two people.

6. Sign a nondisclosure agreement to serve a jail term for defrauding the government if you fail to repay within 6 months

7. Open a bank account with National Bank or KCB.

8. Produce your KRA Pin.

Read Also: REVEALED: Banks to Increase Interest Rates Starting December (Full List)

Furthermore, after the program is launched in December 2022, further information about the application will be provided.