H.E Dr. William Ruto presided over the disbursement of Ksh. 245 million in business start-up capital to 9,823 beneficiaries under the NYOTA Project at the ASK Showground in Nakuru County, a major boost for youth-led enterprises in the Rift Valley region.
The event brought together beneficiaries from Nakuru, Kericho, Bomet, Narok and Baringo counties, who arrived early and in large numbers, reflecting the growing need for business support among young people. The disbursement is part of the Government’s broader agenda to empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as drivers of job creation and economic growth.
Addressing the beneficiaries, President Ruto reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to youth empowerment through access to capital, skills development and market opportunities. He announced that the Government is actively engaging development partners to roll out a second phase of the NYOTA Business Support intervention, aimed at expanding the reach of the programme and unlocking more opportunities for youth across the country.
The President encouraged young people with technical skills but without formal certification to take advantage of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which gives opportunity to skilled youth to receive formal certification based on their existing competencies.
His Excellency, Dr William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya addressing the youth in Nakuru.
President Ruto further highlighted that 90,000 youth will benefit from the On-the-Job Experience component of the NYOTA Project, which is designed to provide practical workplace exposure and enhance job readiness. In addition, he noted that 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 and benefit from government spending.
Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development, Hon. Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya, said the NYOTA Project complements other government-led financing and enterprise support initiatives. He highlighted the Hustler Fund, Youth Enterprise Development Fund, Uwezo Fund and support through Kenya Industrial Estates as key catalytic interventions aimed at strengthening MSMEs and promoting the growth of cottage industries nationwide.
Dr. Oparanya emphasized that coordinated support across financing, training and enterprise development is critical to building resilient and sustainable youth-led businesses. He noted that the Government is focused on creating an enabling environment that allows young entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The NYOTA Project is designed to equip young people with employability skills, business development support and access to affordable capital. By targeting youth, the project seeks to stimulate inclusive economic growth, reduce unemployment and support the expansion of viable enterprises at both county and national levels.
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