President William Ruto on Wednesday, March 18, made a notable stop at a local market in Amagoro, Busia County, where he purchased two bunches of bananas from Mama Mboga.
The purchase, which amounted to KSh 5,000, was captured in a video that has since circulated widely on social media.
In the footage, the President is seen engaging directly with the vendor, asking about the price of bananas before instructing his aide to pay the KSh 5,000.
The interaction highlighted a moment of personal engagement between the Head of State and local traders, reflecting his interest in supporting small businesses.
The purchase comes amid growing discussions on the importance of empowering local vendors and promoting entrepreneurship in Kenya.
By buying directly from the mama mboga, President Ruto not only showed appreciation for the trader’s goods but also provided an example of boosting local economies through simple acts of commerce.
The President’s interaction with the vendor was cordial and respectful, giving the impression of a hands-on approach during his visit to the county.
It also offered a rare glimpse of the President participating in everyday market activities, a move that resonated positively with many Kenyans who view such gestures as a sign of solidarity with small-scale traders.
President William Ruto’s administration is actively promoting local vendors and small-scale traders—often referred to as "Mama Mboga" and "Hustlers"—through a "bottom-up" economic model centered on infrastructure development, affordable credit, and formalization of trade.
The government is implementing a nationwide project to construct modern markets to provide secure, hygienic, & dignified workspaces for traders.
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