THE GOVERNMENT OF KENYA POWERS UP YOUTH ENTERPRISE: NYOTA PROJECT DISBURSES KES. 2.5 BILLION TO OVER 101,000 YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
A Landmark Investment Advancing Youth-Led Businesses Across All 47 Counties.
The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project has reached a historic milestone, successfully disbursing KES. 2.55 billion in Business Start-Up Capital to 101,721 young beneficiaries across Kenya in its first nationwide cohort. This achievement represents one of the most expansive and inclusive youth enterprise financing initiatives in the country’s recent history, underscoring the Government’s commitment to unlocking youth potential and strengthening economic participation among young people.
The nationwide disbursement exercise was spearheaded by H.E. the President, Dr. William Ruto, who described NYOTA as a transformational initiative designed to expand opportunity, stimulate entrepreneurship, and create sustainable livelihoods for Kenya’s youth. The main launch was held at Mumias Complex in Kakamega County, where beneficiaries from Busia, Vihiga, Kakamega, and Bungoma counties gathered to receive the first tranche under the initial cohort. President Ruto announced that beneficiaries will receive an additional KES. 25,000 in the coming weeks, bringing the total allocation to KES. 50,000 per entrepreneur. He further emphasized that, beyond financial support, structured mentorship will be provided over six months, followed by linkages to affordable credit to ensure business sustainability and long-term growth.
During a separate disbursement event in Mombasa County, Qimiao Fan, Country Director of the World Bank, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting inclusive and transparent initiatives that address youth unemployment. He described NYOTA as an innovative and accountable intervention targeting one of Kenya’s most pressing development challenges, job creation for young people.
The disbursements were rolled out equitably across all 47 counties, ensuring nationwide inclusion. Regions such as Nairobi, Kakamega, Eldoret, Nakuru, Kisii, Kisumu, Coast, Eastern, Northern, Central and North Eastern all benefited, with thousands of young entrepreneurs receiving capital to start or expand their businesses. This coordinated national rollout reflects the scale, transparency and accountability embedded within the programme’s implementation framework.
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya, emphasized that NYOTA remains fully transparent and accessible to all eligible youth. His sentiments were echoed by Cabinet Secretary for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya, FCPA, who encouraged young people to take advantage of the project’s additional components. Applications to the project are submitted through the USSD code *254#, and all services offered under the project are completely free of charge, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity and integrity. The Project does not have an APP or any other application channels.
Across the country, beneficiaries have already begun translating capital into growth. One beneficiary, Fanuel, has used his initial disbursement to expand his egg-selling enterprise, exemplifying how small injections of capital can catalyze meaningful business expansion. Many recipients have pledged to utilize the funds responsibly as they prepare to qualify for the second tranche.
Looking ahead, Phase Two of the Business Support Component will introduce a structured mentorship programme followed by Business Development Support training before the second disbursement is released.
Additionally, the On-the-Job Experience (OJE) component recently closed its application window after a two-week reopening period. Successful applicants will soon begin a six-month placement programme with stipends and will later undergo assessment by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) to validate their skills in various trades.
With support from the World Bank, the Government of Kenya has reinforced its investment in sustainable youth livelihoods through NYOTA project. The successful completion of the first nationwide grant disbursement marks a defining moment in youth economic empowerment, laying a strong foundation for enterprise growth, job creation, financial inclusion, and long-term community transformation.
