H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto presided over the official launch of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project at the Mumias Sports Complex in Kakamega County, marking a significant milestone in the Government’s commitment to empowering Kenya’s youth through skills development, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion.
The launch featured a fireside chat with the President on how NYOTA is fostering inclusivity and shared prosperity in economic development. Joining the discussion were the Governors of Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, and Vihiga Counties, who committed to supporting NYOTA beneficiaries to grow sustainable enterprises that will create jobs and stimulate local economies by giving them a tax holiday for two years as they start and establish their enterprises.
During the event, KSh 267 million was disbursed to 12,155 youth from the four Western Kenya counties; Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, and Vihiga who successfully completed business skills training and qualified for start-up capital under the business support intervention of the Project. The beneficiaries represent the first cohort of young entrepreneurs to access business capital under the nationwide rollout of NYOTA.
The NYOTA Project targets over 820,000 youth across all 47 counties, is aimed at expanding opportunities for young people to access decent work and build sustainable livelihoods. It is implemented through four key interventions: apprenticeship and work experience, entrepreneurship and business support, recognition of prior learning, and the promotion of youth savings and digital skilling.
Through these integrated interventions, NYOTA seeks to nurture a new generation of skilled, innovative, and self-reliant youth capable of contributing meaningfully to Kenya’s social and economic transformation. Under business support, 110,000 young entrepreneurs will receive training, mentorship, and business capital to help grow their enterprises, reaching 70 youth per ward across the country.
In line with the government’s digital transformation agenda, NYOTA leverages technology to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in beneficiary application, identification, training, and fund disbursement. The launch in Mumias signifies the beginning of NYOTA’s national implementation, setting the stage for subsequent business skills training in other counties across Kenya.
With its strong focus on inclusivity, innovation, and partnership between the national and county governments, the NYOTA Project continue to empower youth from every region, equipping them with the tools and resources needed to create dignified work, build businesses, and uplift communities.
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