H.E. The President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, CGH, reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and enterprise development as a cornerstone of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Speaking during the NYOTA Business Start-Up Capital Disbursement Forum held at Buntwani Waterfront Park, Malindi, the President emphasized that young people remain at the centre of Kenya’s economic transformation. He noted that programmes such as NYOTA are designed to unlock the potential of youth by providing them with capital, skills, and structured support to create sustainable livelihoods.
President Ruto announced that Kshs. 124 million had been disbursed to over 5,000 youth beneficiaries drawn from 60 wards across Kilifi, Tana River, and Lamu counties, describing the initiative as a practical demonstration of the Government’s commitment to job creation, income expansion, and inclusive growth.
He further encouraged eligible youth to take advantage of additional opportunities under the NYOTA Programme, including the On-the-Job Experience component, and urged them to register via the *254# portal ahead of the 13th February 2026 deadline.
H.E. The President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, CGH giving his remarks during the launch in Malindi.
H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, underscored the importance of financial discipline and long-term security for young entrepreneurs benefiting from the NYOTA Project. He highlighted the innovative integration of savings and social protection through the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), noting that while beneficiaries receive Kshs. 22,000 directly as start-up capital, an additional Kshs. 3,000 is remitted to their pension savings accounts. A similar savings structure will apply in subsequent disbursements.
The Deputy President stated that this approach ensures youth not only grow their enterprises but also secure their financial future, instilling a strong culture of saving while strengthening social protection for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya giving his remarks.
The Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development, Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya, urged young entrepreneurs to uphold integrity, build strong networks, and embrace collaboration as key pillars of sustainable business growth.
Speaking at the disbursement ceremony, Hon. Oparanya emphasized that access to capital must be matched with responsible financial management, saving, and discipline to ensure long-term success. He noted that the NYOTA Programme goes beyond funding by equipping youth with the right mindset and skills needed to build resilient enterprises capable of creating jobs and contributing meaningfully to the economy.
The Cabinet Secretary reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to supporting MSMEs as critical drivers of national development and economic transformation.
The Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development, Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya giving her remarks.
The Principal Secretary, State Department for MSMEs Development, Ms. SusanMang’eni, noted that the disbursement followed the successful completion of a four-day business skills training, which equipped beneficiaries with practical knowledge to establish and grow sustainable enterprises. She explained that beneficiaries will undergo structured mentorship after receiving the first tranche of funding, ensuring continued guidance and support as their businesses grow. Ps. Mang’eni further highlighted additional financing opportunities available to youth entrepreneurs through government programmes such as the Uwezo Fund, Youth Fund, Women Enterprise Fund, and the Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE), which will provide avenues for expansion and scale-up beyond the initial NYOTA capital.
The Principal Secretary, State Department for MSMEs Development, Ms. Susan Mang’eni giving her remarks.
The project continues to demonstrate the Government’s commitment to empowering young people with skills, capital, mentorship, and financial security enabling them to build sustainable enterprises and drive Kenya’s economic transformation from the bottom up.
MSEA Board Chairman, Mr. James Mureu, MSEA CEO Mr. Henry Rithaa and Hustler Fund CEO Mr. Henry Tanui during the launch.
Pictorial highlights during the launch.
