NYOTA PROJECT SUPPORTS YOUTH ENTERPRISES WITH KSH 258.4 MILLION IN BUSINESS GRANTS
Over 10,300 youth beneficiaries in Nairobi, Kajiado and Kiambu counties receive business grants under the NYOTA Project.
The Government of Kenya, through the World Bank-financed National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, has disbursed KSh 258.4 million in business grants to 10,337 youth beneficiaries from Nairobi, Kiambu and Kajiado counties.
The disbursement took place on Monday, 26 January 2026, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, during an event presided over by H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, EGH, President of the Republic of Kenya. The event was attended by the Deputy President, Governors, Cabinet Secretaries, Members of Parliament, and National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs).
Government Commitment to Youth Economic Empowerment
Speaking during the event, President Ruto reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to empowering young people not only through access to capital, but also through sustained mentorship, skills development, and enterprise support.
“It is not enough to support our young people with finance and opportunity-creating programmes. We must continue walking with them step by step, offering training and mentorship as we assess the growth and success of their businesses,” the President said.
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki highlighted the tangible impact of the NYOTA Project at the grassroots level, citing the example of Fanuel, a young entrepreneur from Kawangware who received KSh 22,000 in direct business support and KSh 3,000 in savings deposited under the NSSF Haba Haba Scheme, enabling him to expand his egg-selling micro-enterprise.
Youth-Focused, Transparent and Inclusive Support
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya, described the disbursement as a defining moment for young people, urging beneficiaries to utilize the funds strictly for business development.
“This project is yours. Let this capital help you start or grow your businesses. All other components of the project are in place to ensure more youth benefit,” said CS Mvurya.
Cabinet Secretary for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Hon. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, noted that the NYOTA Project was deliberately designed to be transparent, digital, and accessible, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring funds reach intended beneficiaries directly.
The Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy, Mr. Fikirini Jacobs, emphasized that the project targets young people who did not progress beyond Form Four, noting that formal qualifications are not a requirement.
“Today, over 10,000 young people are receiving capital to start businesses and transform their lives. This money is for business,” he emphasized.
County Governments Pledge Support
During the event, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja announced a two-year waiver on business licence fees for NYOTA beneficiaries, while Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku pledged allocation of market stalls to support the youth enterprises. Similar commitments were echoed by county leaders from Nyeri, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga and Murang’a.
Nationwide Roll-Out of the Business Support Component
Earlier in January, the NYOTA Project commenced Phase Two of the Business Support Component, covering 27 counties across the country. Counties were clustered into regions to facilitate disbursement events.
- Western Region: On 7 November 2025, 12,155 beneficiaries from Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia and Bungoma counties received KSh 303.9 million at Mumias Sports Complex.
- North Rift Region: On 8 January 2026, 9,423 beneficiaries from Uasin Gishu, Nandi, West Pokot, Turkana and Elgeyo Marakwet counties received KSh 200 million in Eldoret.
- South Rift Region: On 9 January 2026, 9,847 beneficiaries from Nakuru, Baringo, Narok, Bomet and Kericho counties received KSh 245.6 million.
- Central Region: On 12 January 2026, 6,982 beneficiaries from Nyeri, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga and Murang’a counties received KSh 173.2 million.
- North Eastern Region: On 13 January 2026, 4,159 beneficiaries from Samburu, Isiolo, Laikipia and Marsabit counties received KSh 103.9 million.
- Eastern Region: On 15 January 2026, 5,901 beneficiaries from Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties received KSh 147.5 million.
President Ruto described the NYOTA Project as a transformative intervention that democratizes access to economic opportunities for young people across the country.
“Each of Kenya’s 1,450 wards will benefit, with between 70 and 84 young people accessing KSh 50,000 business grants under the Business Support Component,” he noted.
The Eastern Central Cluster disbursement for Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi counties is scheduled for 22 January 2026 at Kinoru Stadium, Meru, marking the conclusion of Phase Two.
Looking Ahead
Phase Two of the Business Support Component will be followed by a two-month structured mentorship programme, after which beneficiaries will undergo additional Business Development Support (BDS) training in preparation for the next tranche of business grants.
Phase Three will cover Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River, Mombasa, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Nyamira, Kisii, Marsabit, Garissa, Mandera and Wajir counties, with further details to be communicated.
Up Next: On-the-Job Experience (OJE)
The On-the-Job Experience (OJE) intervention will roll out in seven counties—Nakuru, Kericho, Bomet, Kisii, Nyamira, Homa Bay and Narok— targeting approximately 14,000 beneficiaries. Participants will undergo mandatory Social Emotional Skills Development (SESD) training to enhance workplace readiness and employability.
Beneficiaries in this intervention will each receive a monthly stipend of KES. 6,000 for the 6-month period that they will be in the project. Part of which will go towards savings in their Haba Haba Savings Account.
The NYOTA Project, through its partners and implementing agencies, remains committed to delivering youth empowerment interventions transparently, equitably and efficiently to maximize impact nationwide.
