The article questions whether empowerment initiatives like Nyota Yangu and the Hustler Fund are genuine efforts to uplift Kenyans or merely populist ploys by President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Critics suggest these programs target payslip holders with tokenism rather than implementing substantive economic reforms.

• The article references President William Ruto addressing residents in Malindi on February 5, 2026.
• The empowerment forums discussed include the ongoing Nyota Yangu and the previously launched Hustler Fund.
• The central theme revolves around whether these initiatives are genuine uplifting efforts or campaign platforms for the upcoming election.