William Ruto Unveils Business Training for 600,000 Women and Single Mothers
Published October 27, 2025 on Happy Crafts Place
President William Ruto has announced a major empowerment programme aimed at training 600,000 women, including single mothers, in entrepreneurial and financial management skills. The initiative seeks to equip women to successfully engage in business with both national and county governments.
Speaking during the funeral service of Mzee Weston Kirocho, the father of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, in Thome, Laikipia County, President Ruto explained that the initiative will be implemented under the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) framework.
“We have a big programme with AGPO, including the single mothers you have mentioned. We are looking for 600,000 women to come for training on how they can do business with national and county governments and grow their enterprises,” Ruto said.
The President added that women with practical experience but no formal qualifications will benefit from the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme, which will certify their existing skills and competencies.
Understanding AGPO
The Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) programme was launched in October 2013 by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. It ensures that women, youth, and persons with disabilities can access 30% of government tenders as required by law.
To qualify, businesses must be:
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Legally registered,
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At least 70% owned and 100% managed by women, youth, or persons with disabilities, and
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In possession of necessary documentation such as business registration certificates, tax compliance, and professional certifications.
Applications can be completed through the AGPO online portal or at Huduma Centres across the country. All public institutions are required to allocate at least 30% of their procurement budgets to these groups and report quarterly to the National Treasury.
Ruto Announces National Infrastructure Fund
President Ruto also addressed the issue of stalled road projects, attributing delays to inconsistent funding. To resolve this, he announced plans to establish a National Infrastructure Fund, which will ensure a continuous flow of financing for road construction and maintenance.
“We have had prolonged problems with our roads. Projects often stall due to lack of money. That’s why we are setting up a National Infrastructure Fund to guarantee consistent financing and proper planning,” Ruto said.
He added that his administration has already identified priority road projects in Laikipia in collaboration with local leaders and assured residents that construction will commence soon using available resources.
What is the NYOTA Programme?
In related news, the government has directed all youth shortlisted for the KSh 50,000 NYOTA Grant to complete the Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test (EAT) before the verification exercise scheduled for Friday, October 24, 2025.
Applicants must send “NYOTA” to 40270 using their registered mobile numbers to access the free test.
The NYOTA programme, jointly funded by the Kenyan government and the World Bank, aims to empower 100,000 young Kenyans with startup capital and vocational skills in trades such as carpentry, tailoring, and crafts.