NYOTA Empowers Youth Nationwide with Completion of Business Support Tranche Two
Thousands of young entrepreneurs across all 47 counties receive business grants, savings support, and renewed hope for sustainable livelihoods.
The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project has successfully concluded the nationwide rollout of the Business Support Tranche Two disbursement, marking another significant milestone in the Government's commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs and creating sustainable livelihoods for Kenya's youth.
The nationwide exercise brought together beneficiaries from all 47 counties at 18 regional venues, where 122, 136 youth received a total of KES. 3,054,850,000 business grants to expand existing enterprises or establish new businesses.
Each beneficiary received KES. 25,000, comprising KES. 22,000 deposited into their NYOTA Pochi la Biashara wallet to support business growth and KES. 3,000 invested in the NSSF Haba Haba Savings Scheme, reinforcing the Government's commitment to building a culture of savings among young entrepreneurs. For beneficiaries receiving their second tranche, this completed the full KES. 50,000 business grants under the NYOTA Business Support Component. New beneficiaries who received their first tranche will proceed to mentorship before qualifying for the second disbursement.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Enterprise
Speaking during the national launch at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, H.E. President William Samoei Ruto reaffirmed the Government's commitment to ensuring every young Kenyan has an equal opportunity to succeed through entrepreneurship.
The President emphasized that the NYOTA Project is a key pillar in addressing youth unemployment and promoting inclusive economic growth across all 47 counties.
“We will ensure no one is left behind. There were problems in the past and some people were left. Some regions were also left behind in many ways. Today, we have decided that every Kenyan must feel proud to be in this country. That is why NYOTA is being rolled out in 1,450 wards.” he spoke.
He further directed county governments to waive business permit fees for NYOTA beneficiaries for two years and prioritize the allocation of market spaces to enable young entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses. The President also instructed government financial institutions, including the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF), Uwezo Fund, and Women Enterprise Fund, to develop tailored financial products that support NYOTA beneficiaries as they scale their enterprises.
"I therefore direct the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council, working together with the county governments, to develop and implement a two-year business permit waiver for all NYOTA beneficiaries. Young businesses deserve to find their feet before they bear the full cost of compliance,” said the Head of State.
Nationwide Rollout of Business Support
The Business Support Tranche Two disbursement was successfully conducted across 18 regional centres, ensuring equitable access for all the beneficiaries from all 47 counties. The coordinated nationwide exercise saw senior government officials lead the events, reaffirming the Government's commitment to empowering youth entrepreneurs across the country.
The largest disbursement was made at Masinde Muliro University, where 14,171 beneficiaries from Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia and Vihiga counties received KES. 354.275 million, followed by Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, where 12,685 beneficiaries from Nairobi, Kiambu and Kajiado counties received KES. 317.125 million. Other major disbursement centres included Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu, ASK Showground in Nakuru, Old Kitui Stadium, and Kisii National Polytechnic, each serving thousands of young entrepreneurs from neighbouring counties.
Across the country, the rollout reached every region—from the Coast, Eastern, Central and Rift Valley to Western, Nyanza, North Eastern and Upper Eastern Kenya. Thousands of youth entrepreneurs received business grants ranging from KES. 42.025 million in Marsabit to over KES. 354 million in Western Kenya, providing much-needed capital to start, sustain and expand their businesses.
The regional disbursements included:
Counties | Regional Centre | Beneficiaries | Amount Disbursed (KES.) |
|---|---|---|---|
Kitui, Machakos, Makueni | Old Kitui Stadium | 8,438 | 210,950,000 |
Nakuru, Bomet, Kericho | Bomet Stadium | 6,655 | 166,375,000 |
Murang'a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga | Ihura Stadium | 7,055 | 176,375,000 |
Nakuru, Baringo, Nyandarua | ASK Showground | 8,900 | 223,950,000 |
Mombasa, Kwale, Taita Taveta | Mombasa Showground | 5,746 | 143,650,000 |
Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay | Jomo Kenyatta Stadium | 9,218 | 230,450,000 |
Kisii, Nyamira, Migori | Kisii National Polytechnic | 8,234 | 205,850,000 |
Mandera | Moi Stadium, Mandera | 2,552 | 63,800,000 |
Garissa | Garissa RC’s Office | 5,405 | 135,125,000 |
Wajir | Wajir Stadium | 2,605 | 65,125,000 |
Marsabit | Marsabit | 1,681 | 42,025,000 |
Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado | Ulinzi Sports Complex | 12,685 | 317,125,000 |
Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga | Masinde Muliro University | 14,171 | 354,275,000 |
Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi | Kirubia Stadium, Chuka | 6,150 | 153,750,000 |
Laikipia, Isiolo, Samburu | Nanyuki ASK Showground | 3,163 | 79,075,000 |
Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet | Eldoret Sports Club | 6,914 | 172,850,000 |
Turkana, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot | Kishaunet Showground | 7,736 | 193,400,000 |
Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River | Malindi Buntwani Waterfront Park | 4,828 | 120,700,000 |
47 Counties | 18 Venues | 122,136 | 3,054,850,000 |
Transforming Lives Through Entrepreneurship
Beyond financial support, the NYOTA Project continues to equip young entrepreneurs with entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and business development services to enhance the sustainability of their enterprises.
Beneficiaries expressed optimism about the impact of the programme, noting that the training has strengthened their financial management skills while the grants provide much-needed capital to expand their businesses and create employment opportunities within their communities.
Progress Across Other NYOTA Components
The NYOTA Project continues to register significant progress across its other components.
The On-the-Job Experience (OJE) component has successfully completed SESD training in 29 counties, with beneficiaries in Lots 1 and 2 currently undertaking five-month apprenticeships under experienced master craftsmen and Employers. Upon completion, participants will undergo competency-based assessments by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), earning nationally recognized certifications that enhance their employability.
Similarly, the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) component has completed assessments, and beneficiaries can now access their examination results through the NITA portal as certificate processing continues.
Building a Prosperous Future for Kenya's Youth
The NYOTA Project remains committed to empowering young people through skills development, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities that transform lives and contribute to Kenya's socio-economic development.
The project continues to provide free services to eligible youth aged 18–29 years, and up to 35 years for Persons with Disabilities, through the USSD code *254#. Applications for all NYOTA components are currently closed.
