Hustler Fund: A Benediction or an Enigma Implementation and Economic Empowerment of Recipients in Uasin Gishu County

Abstract

The Hustler Fund, as a form of digital finance exploring mobile money, has received considerable amounts of praise and criticism almost in equal measures, notwithstanding the material determination behind its creation or the noble intentions of its architects. Though ingeniously crafted, publicized, and adorned into the hearts of Kenyans during the campaign period, that political phase has long elapsed. Promulgated at the end of 2022 amidst pomp and colour, Kenyans were excited that, eventually, the fund was here, and the uptake was unprecedented. Just like for any other innovation, feedback comes in fast, both positive and negative. Some praised the Hustler fund immensely, while others did not have many kind words. All this was in the heat of the moment, a demonstration of general perceptions, not sufficient to make a resolute deduction on the Hustler fund. That wave has finally settled. Time for monitoring and evaluation now, followed by improvement. The hard work has just begun. This paper undertakes an assessment of the effect of the implementation of Hustler Fund on the economic empowerment of recipients in Uasin Gishu County. Eldoret town provided the sample for the study. The end-game is to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to the evolving Hustler fund.