President William Ruto has told Kenyans that there is no pressure to repay the Hustler Fund loans immediately, saying borrowers can take their time to pay back what they owe.

Speaking during the launch of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Fund in Kakamega on Friday, November 7, 2025, Ruto said the government will not force anyone to repay the money but encouraged people to use it wisely.

Ruto said the Hustler Fund aims to help Kenyans grow financially and not to punish them.

“Mtu asikuweke pressure, hakuna mtu atakulazimisha kulipa pesa ya Hustler Fund. Lipa polepole, hakuna problem, sisi tutangojea,” he said.

The president explained that the fund was meant to uplift small traders and individuals who may not have access to traditional bank loans.

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He said repayment should be done responsibly and at one’s own pace.

Ruto, however, noted that some people misused the opportunity by taking small loans and failing to repay, which affected their ability to borrow more.

“Watu walichukua mia tano na wakahepa. Hasara ni yako, wewe jipange. Saa hizi ungekua unachukua elfu hamsini lakini juu ulihepa na mia tano, sasa unahangaika na mia tano. Tumieni akili bwana,” he said.

The president added that those who defaulted on small loans locked themselves out of bigger benefits that could have come with consistent repayment.

“Lakini hata hiyo mia tano ulihepa nayo, hakuna mtu atakufuata. Wewe jipange tu, baadaye ukuje uchukue elfu moja, halafu elfu mbili… hivyo hivyo,” Ruto explained.

He urged Kenyans to treat NYOTA as a tool for growth and not as free money.

“You must use it wisely, mtumie vizuri because this is something itawasaidia,” Ruto said. He added that the fund was started to give small businesses and individuals a fair chance to access credit and develop economically.

“Acha niwaeleze, mtu asikuweke pressure. Kwa sababu ndio itakusaidia wewe,” he said, encouraging borrowers to make good use of the money and repay gradually. Ruto said that the government will continue supporting small enterprises through such initiatives to promote financial inclusion and self-reliance across the country.