President William Ruto has unveiled an Sh80 million fund aimed at empowering artisans and mechanics across Nairobi County, reaffirming his administration’s focus on bolstering Kenya’s informal economy.

Addressing a gathering of over 5,000 artisans at State House on Thursday, the President noted that the targeted funding will assist small-scale traders in acquiring modern equipment to enhance productivity and scale up their businesses.

During his address, President Ruto directly addressed the unique challenges faced by non-salaried workers, assuring them that they remain central to national economic planning despite lacking formal employment records.

Drawing a comparison to public sector workers, who are scheduled to receive enhanced salaries starting August 1 following recent government gazettements, Ruto pledged that similar arrangements are being put in place to raise incomes for self-employed Kenyans and small business operators.

The Sh80 million allocation forms part of a broader government strategy to drive job creation and income growth within the informal sector, an essential segment that employs millions of Kenyans nationwide.