The Board of the Financial Inclusion Fund (popularly known as the Hustler Fund) has appointed Henry K. Tanui as the new Chief Executive Officer for a renewable three-year term.
Mr. Tanui succeeds Elizabeth Nkukuu, who has served as the Fund’s founding CEO since its launch. During the leadership transition, the Board praised Ms. Nkukuu for her “dedicated service and pioneering leadership,” crediting her with laying a strong foundation for one of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s flagship initiatives.
In his remarks following the appointment, Mr. Tanui expressed optimism about the Fund’s direction:
“The Hustler Fund has already demonstrated its transformative role in supporting livelihoods and economic growth. My focus will be on enhancing our collection systems, boosting financial literacy, and developing ecosystem lending channels to broaden our reach and deepen our impact,” he stated.
Ms. Nkukuu thanked the Board and the Kenyan people for the opportunity to serve.
“It has been an honour to launch and lead the Hustler Fund. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved in reaching millions of households and MSMEs. I congratulate Mr. Tanui and wish him great success in taking the Fund forward,” she said.
Mr. Tanui brings more than 24 years of experience in the financial services sector, with a background in risk management, MSME and personal lending, mortgages, and trade finance. He has previously held senior roles at Ecobank, Consolidated Bank of Kenya, and the Industrial and Commercial Development Bank of Kenya.
Cooperatives and MSME Development Cabinet Secretary Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya highlighted the Fund’s growing impact on the country’s socio-economic landscape.
“The Hustler Fund has already extended affordable credit to over 26 million Kenyans. As we move forward, I urge the team to strengthen repayment efforts to improve credit scores and expand financial literacy initiatives that empower citizens,” said Dr. Oparanya.
MSME Development Principal Secretary Susan Mangeni also acknowledged the Fund’s role in enhancing credit access.
“More than 9 million Kenyans have improved their credit histories through the Hustler Fund, enabling them to access formal financing. We sincerely thank Ms. Nkukuu for her firm leadership during the Fund’s formative phase,” she said.
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