The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national
and international interest.
You can decide to look at the Hustler Fund as an antithesis of some sort; an anticlimax and a big letdown from the high expectations that were set. You can decide to focus on the maximum loan limit and the 8 per cent tax rate to assert that the government has turned its back on its promise to provide grants, not loans.
However, on the flip side, you can also decide to admit that in business, capital is not usually the greatest impediment. If you enumerate the number of businesses that can be initiated with Sh50,000 or less, you will be lost for choice. Better still if you do a simple survey from people in business, you will be surprised by the amount they started with.
That is why my greatest worry with the Hustler Fund has nothing to do with the amount of money. I am more worried about whether there is a congruence between the intention of the government and how the intended beneficiaries will use the money.
Facts First
This story continues on The Standard INSiDER. Subscribe now for unfiltered journalism that holds power to account.
Already have an account? Login
join