The Government, through the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority, has disbursed over Ksh. 170 million in NYOTA Business Start-Up Capital to youth from Nyeri, Murang’a, Nyandarua, and Kirinyaga counties.
The disbursement ceremony was held at Kabiru-ini ASK Grounds, Nyeri, and presided over by H.E. Dr. William Ruto, CGH, President of the Republic of Kenya, alongside H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya. During the event, 6,892 young entrepreneurs received business start-up capital after successfully completing business skills training under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project.
In his address, President Ruto reaffirmed the Government’s resolve to place young people at the heart of Kenya’s national transformation agenda, emphasizing that unlocking youth potential is critical to driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
He underscored the importance of deliberate public investments that ensure young people are not spectators, but active participants in the country’s economic journey, equipped with the tools, skills, and opportunities needed to thrive. The President highlighted key national interventions that are expanding pathways to opportunity for young people, including the Affordable Housing Programme, labour mobility, digital jobs, and the NYOTA Project all designed to increase access to employment, enterprise, and income.
The NYOTA Project targets 820,000 young people nationwide through an integrated package of interventions that go beyond capital. These include business development support, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for skilled but uncertified youth, training, mentorship, and on-the-job experience, as well as savings and financial inclusion mechanisms to promote long-term economic stability.
From the early hours of the morning, youth arrived at the venue in large numbers energized, hopeful, and eager to take the next step towards economic independence.
Further strengthening the ecosystem for youth entrepreneurship, the County Governments of Nyeri, Murang’a, Nyandarua, and Kirinyaga announced a two-year tax and licence waiver for NYOTA beneficiaries. This intervention will significantly ease the cost of doing business, allowing young entrepreneurs to stabilize and grow their enterprises during their formative stages.
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