Who is he? Henry Tanui appointed Hustler Fund CEO
By Ascah Mwango, September 4, 2025The Financial Inclusion Fund, famously known as the Hustler Fund, has appointed Henry K. Tanui as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Tanui takes over from Elizabeth Nkukuu, who has been at the helm since the Fund’s inception in 2022.
The handover ceremony took place at the KIBT Building in Nairobi on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, and was presided over by Cooperatives and MSME Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya.
He highlighted the impact the Hustler Fund has had in widening access to credit, with more than 26 million Kenyans already benefiting from the programme.
Looking ahead, Oparanya emphasised the importance of strengthening repayment culture to enable borrowers to build positive credit scores.
He also underlined the need for expanding financial literacy initiatives, noting that these efforts will be key in helping Kenyans manage credit responsibly and achieve long-term economic empowerment.
“The Financial Inclusion Fund has already provided affordable credit to more than 26 million Kenyans. As we look ahead, I encourage the Hustler Fund team to enhance their efforts in promoting timely repayments to improve credit scores and to expand financial literacy programmes that support Kenyans in succeeding,” he said.
The Board acknowledged Nkukuu for her work in setting up the programme, noting she had overseen its “successful establishment and launch” during her two-and-a-half years in office.
Nkukuu, in her farewell message, described her time at the Fund as a privilege and extended her good wishes to her successor.
“I am proud of the progress we have made in reaching millions of households and MSMEs. I warmly congratulate Mr. Tanui and wish him every success in expanding the Fund’s impact in the years ahead.”
In his first remarks as CEO, Tanui admitted the Fund faces challenges, particularly around loan recovery.
He emphasised that addressing this issue would be central to his leadership, noting that many borrowers still struggle with repayment, which in turn affects the sustainability of the programme.
“My focus will be on reengineering our collection processes, strengthening financial literacy, and building ecosystem lending channels that expand our reach and deepen our impact,” he said.
Principal Secretary for MSME Development, Susan Mang’eni, also noted that more than nine million Kenyans have already improved their credit histories through the Hustler Fund, allowing them better access to financial institutions.
Tanui comes into the role with over 24 years of experience in banking, having served in senior positions at Ecobank, Consolidated Bank of Kenya, and the Industrial and Commercial Development Bank of Kenya. His career has largely focused on risk management, SME lending, personal finance, and trade finance.