President William Ruto has announced the creation of a new government fund aimed at empowering women across Kenya through large-scale training and capacity-building initiatives. The program, he said, will benefit over 600,000 women, including single mothers, to help them acquire practical skills and strengthen their economic independence.
Speaking at a women’s empowerment forum on Thursday, President Ruto said the initiative reflects his administration’s broader commitment to gender equality and inclusive growth.
“We have set up a fund to train 600,000 women, including single mothers, so they can access better livelihoods, start businesses, and participate fully in our economy,” Ruto said.
The training will prioritize vocational education, digital skills, and entrepreneurship, targeting women in rural and informal sectors where unemployment and limited financial access remain widespread.
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Ruto emphasized that empowering women is both a social priority and an economic necessity, arguing that Kenya’s development cannot advance if half its population remains economically excluded. He added that the government will collaborate with county governments, private sector partners, and international organizations to ensure transparency and accountability in managing the fund.
Women’s groups across the country have welcomed the initiative as a timely response to long-standing challenges. However, advocacy organizations have called for safeguards to ensure equitable access across all regions and that training programs address real market needs rather than serve political interests.
Mary Wanjiku, Chairperson of the Kenya Women Entrepreneurs Forum (KWEF), praised the move as “a long-overdue step toward bridging gender inequality in business.”
“If implemented transparently, this fund could transform families led by women who have struggled for years without access to skills or capital,” she said. “The focus on single mothers is particularly commendable.”
Yet some experts remain cautious. Dr. Faith Mutua, an economist and gender policy researcher, noted that previous empowerment programs have faltered due to bureaucracy and poor oversight.
“The problem has never been the number of funds but how they are managed,” she said. “Kenya needs a clear tracking system to ensure resources and training reach the grassroots, especially rural areas where most single mothers live.”
For many women, however, the announcement brings hope. Grace Atieno, a single mother from Kisumu, expressed optimism.
“This could change everything for us. Many of us are hardworking but lack the skills and capital to move forward. If the training is real, we are ready.”
If effectively implemented, the women’s training fund could become a major milestone in narrowing economic disparities and advancing Kenya’s vision of inclusive, gender-balanced growth.
