Kisii County– 03/02/2026 –H.E. Dr. William Ruto, CGH, President of the Republic of Kenya, presided over the NYOTA Business Start-Up Capital Disbursement Forum at Gusii Stadium in Kisii County, marking a major milestone in the Government’s efforts to promote youth employment, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth.
The forum brought together young entrepreneurs drawn from Kisii, Nyamira, and Migori counties and was attended by H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, alongside national and county government leaders, development partners, and stakeholders in youth enterprise development. During the event, over 6,000 youth entrepreneurs were awarded business start-up capital after successfully completing a comprehensive business skills training program designed to equip them with practical knowledge in enterprise development, financial management, and sustainability. Each beneficiary will receive KShs. 50,000 in two phases combining direct business financing with a structured savings component aimed at promoting financial discipline, resilience, and long-term business growth.
Speaking during the forum, President Ruto reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to addressing youth unemployment, which he identified as one of Kenya’s most urgent socio-economic challenges. He emphasized that the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda is being translated from policy to practice through targeted programs that empower young people with capital, skills, and access to markets.
“The NYOTA Project reflects our resolve to move from promises to practical solutions. By investing directly in young entrepreneurs, we are unlocking their potential to create jobs, build enterprises, and drive sustainable economic growth across our counties,” the President said.
The Head of State further announced the opening of the *254# platform for registration under the On-the-Job Experience Training (OJT) component of the NYOTA Project. Through this component, 90,000 youth will be supported to acquire hands-on, market-relevant skills through structured mentorship by experienced master trainers, strengthening their employability and readiness for enterprise development.
H.E. Dr. William Ruto, CGH, President of the Republic of Kenya, making his remarks during the NYOTA Business Start-Up Capital Disbursement Forum at Gusii Stadium in Kisii County.
President Ruto also highlighted complementary interventions being implemented by the Government to expand economic opportunities for young people. These include labour mobility programs coordinated by the National Employment Authority (NEA), which facilitate access to employment opportunities both locally and abroad, as well as the construction of new modern markets in Kisii County to enhance access to trading spaces and improve business infrastructure.
County leadership welcomed the NYOTA Project as a catalyst for grassroots economic transformation. Kisii County Governor, H.E. Hon. Simba Arati, described the program as a strategic economic stimulus and announced license holidays for NYOTA-supported entrepreneurs to ease their transition into business and reduce the cost of compliance during the start-up phase.
Similarly, Nyamira County Governor, H.E. Hon. Amos Nyaribo, pledged county support for youth-led enterprises by waiving trade license fees for NYOTA beneficiaries for a period of five years, reinforcing the role of devolved governments in nurturing sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystems.
Pictorial highlights during the launch.
