SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE NYOTA BENEFICIARY VALIDATION EXERCISE
The NYOTA Project has successfully concluded its nationwide beneficiary validation exercise, marking a key milestone in empowering young Kenyans through enterprise and skills development. Conducted across all 47 counties, the exercise demonstrated the government’s continued commitment to transparency, inclusion, and equitable access as the project prepares for the next phase of small business grant disbursements.
The NYOTA Project has reached a key milestone with the successful completion of the nationwide beneficiary validation exercise across all targeted constituencies. Conducted on 24th and 25th October 2025, the exercise sought to confirm the eligibility of preselected youth applicants under the Business Support intervention.
The validation was jointly overseen by Principal Secretaries, in collaboration with government agencies and local stakeholders. It took place in county social halls across the country, where thousands of young people turned up to secure their chance to advance to the next stage of the project.
Covering all 47 counties, including remote and underserved regions, the exercise reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to equitable youth empowerment, transparency, and inclusivity. Eligible youth, including persons with disabilities, were screened using the criteria established during the application phase.
Speaking after the conclusion of the exercise, Principal Secretary, State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Susan Mang’eni commended the professionalism, turnout, and coordination witnessed nationwide. She noted that the data collected will play a critical role in finalizing beneficiary lists for the upcoming disbursement of funds, which will be implemented in clusters.
“The completion of this exercise brings us closer to delivering meaningful opportunities for thousands of young Kenyans. We thank all participants and partners for their cooperation,” said PS Mang’eni.
What the NYOTA Project Offers
NYOTA is a World Bank–financed programme designed to enhance youth employability and enterprise development. It targets youth aged 18–29 years, and up to 35 years for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), particularly those with secondary-level education or below who are underemployed or face systemic barriers to opportunity.
The project is anchored on three key interventions:
On-the-Job Experience (OJE): Provides structured apprenticeships that help youth acquire practical technical and workplace skills, improving their employability and readiness for sustainable livelihoods. This component targets 90,000 youth nationwide (approximately 62 per ward).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Certifies informally acquired technical skills, especially among artisans, master craftsmen, and other youth in the informal sector, enhancing access to formal employment and career growth. The project targets 20,000 skilled youth to benefit from this intervention.
Business Support: Offers seed capital of KSh 50,000 to young entrepreneurs to start or expand small-scale enterprises. The current phase targets 100,000 youth across all wards (around 70 per ward). Additionally, the intervention provides business development services including mentorship and market linkages to beneficiaries.
Looking Ahead
The official NYOTA Project launch is scheduled for early November 2025, coinciding with the first round of business grant disbursements. Successful project applicants for both the Business Support and On-the-Job Experience components will receive notifications through official NYOTA project messaging channel. With this milestone achieved, NYOTA continues to pave the way for inclusive youth empowerment, transforming aspirations into sustainable livelihoods across Kenya.
