Tuk-tuk operators have been urged to register on the National Transport Safety Authority portal to access the Hustler Fund.
The move is also aimed at restoring sanity in the sector.
The Tuk-tuk Operators Network has already launched a nationwide registration drive.
The operators are eyeing a slice of the fund to be launched by President William Ruto on December 1.
“I am asking all the operators to take advantage and get registered now. You will not benefit from the Hustler Fund if you are not organised and registered,” said Vincent Were, Tuk-tuk Operators Network National chairman.
He said the registration was not only in line with government regulations, but also targets to streamline operations in the sector.
Were said registration will help weed out criminals and underage drivers who have infiltrated the sector.
“Once sanity is restored, members will be able to form and join Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies to empower themselves,” he told the press in Kisumu.
Were said the ongoing reorganisation will also attract funding from the government and other partners to help expand their businesses.
“Our growth lies in our strength, which will be determined by the number of those registered. Once we are registered and organised, we shall be able to get funds from the government, banks and microfinance institutions,” he said.
The association, the chairman said, had partnered with the Kenya Commercial Bank to sensitise the operators to financial management and, at the same time, help them access cheaper loans.
Were said the operators will now be able to negotiate with banks through their respective groups to get cheaper credit.
Tuk-tuk Association of Kisumu chairman Michael Mboya said the move would revolutionise the sector, which is reeling from the effects of Covid-19 and high fuel prices.
Lack of access to credit, he said, remained the biggest challenge for the operators, with a number of them getting expensive loans from microfinance institutions, which are expensive to service.
“We have members who are servicing very expensive loans taking years to clear before they can fully own their tuk-tuk,” he said.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
