President William Ruto has officially launched the NYOTA Project Business Start-Up Capital disbursement for five Rift Valley counties—Nakuru, Baringo, Narok, Bomet and Kericho—releasing a total of KSh245.6 million to support youth-led enterprises.
The launch, held at the ASK Grounds in Nakuru, marked the first phase of the programme, which will benefit 9,847 successful applicants. Each beneficiary will receive an initial start-up capital of KSh25,000, aimed at enabling youth to establish and grow small businesses.
Under the funding structure, KSh22,000 will be deposited directly into Pochi La Biashara accounts to facilitate immediate business operations, while KSh3,000 will be channelled into beneficiaries’ Haba Na Haba savings accounts managed by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). The savings component is designed to promote financial discipline, long-term savings and social security among young entrepreneurs.
Speaking during the disbursement exercise, President Ruto said the Government is engaging development partners to roll out a second phase of the Business Component under the NYOTA Project. He also urged young people with technical skills to take advantage of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) framework, which allows skilled but uncertified youth to obtain formal qualifications.
According to the President, certification through RPL will open doors to formal employment opportunities locally and abroad, particularly through the Government’s Labour Export Programme.
The NYOTA Programme also includes an On-the-Job Experience Component that will benefit 90,000 youth, who will be attached to skilled master trainers for six months before undergoing certification. In addition, about 600,000 youth and women will be trained on how to access Government Procurement Opportunities, enabling them to participate more effectively in public supply chains.
Nakuru County Governor Susan Kihika called on beneficiaries to utilise the funds prudently to build sustainable enterprises. She pledged county-level support, including licence waivers through the Department of Trade, access to stalls at Ziwani Market, and free vocational training at county vocational training centres to enhance skills development.
Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui encouraged beneficiaries in the built environment sector to tap into opportunities presented by the Affordable Housing Programme, particularly in the supply of construction materials and furnishing components.
Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya commended the beneficiaries for successfully applying and completing the required training. He said the NYOTA Programme delivers on the President’s “Pesa Mfukoni” pledge under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary FCPA Dr Wycliffe Oparanya highlighted complementary government initiatives supporting MSME growth, including the Hustler Fund, Youth Enterprise Development Fund, Uwezo Fund and support from Kenya Industrial Estates.
Meanwhile, Principal Secretary for MSMEs Development Susan Mangeni reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening the MSME sector, noting its critical role in driving Kenya’s social and economic development.
