President William Ruto has announced plans to establish a new fund targeting single mothers and women across Kenya, describing it as a key step in strengthening women’s economic independence.

Speaking on Thursday at the funeral service of Weston Kanja, father of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, in Thome, Laikipia County, Dr Ruto said the government would work with both national and county administrations to equip women with business and financial skills.

“Women, you know, have your chance,” the President said. “We want single mothers and all women to come. We are looking for 600,000 of them to come for training so that we can teach them how to run businesses and empower themselves.”

The initiative, he explained, will operate under the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) framework, which reserves a share of public tenders for women, youth, and persons with disabilities. The aim, he said, is to boost participation in the economy by groups often left behind.

Under AGPO rules, eligible enterprises must have at least 70 per cent ownership by women or youth, or be majority-owned by persons with disabilities.

While President Ruto did not give details on whether the new fund will include direct cash transfers, he said it will complement the ongoing NYOTA Programme, a World Bank-supported initiative designed to help vulnerable groups gain skills, mentorship, and access to credit.

Earlier this week, the President said the government would begin disbursing Ksh 20 billion to beneficiaries of the NYOTA Programme starting 4 November.

During Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County on Monday, Dr Ruto announced that the government would also conduct a nationwide verification exercise across all 290 constituencies beginning 24 October to ensure that only eligible participants benefit.

Under the NYOTA Programme, 90,000 young people will receive technical and vocational training, with an additional component recognising prior learning for those who have gained skills informally. Graduates of the scheme will be awarded certificates to improve their chances in the job market.

By tying the new women’s empowerment fund to existing structures like AGPO and NYOTA, the government hopes to expand opportunities for single mothers and women-led enterprises — a demographic the President has often described as “the backbone of community development.”