On Friday, 10th July 2026, the Government conducted NYOTA Business Start-up Capital disbursement through regional events across 18 clusters nationwide, injecting KSh 3.05 billion in business capital to 122,203 young entrepreneurs. The national exercise was led by H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, while Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and other national and county leaders presided over corresponding regional events.
The Business Support intervention under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project is implemented by the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA). The intervention equips young entrepreneurs with Business Development Services (BDS), mentorship and business start-up capital, enabling them to establish, grow and sustain viable enterprises. It also promotes market linkages and enterprise development, positioning youth-owned businesses as key drivers of job creation and inclusive economic growth.
NYOTA Beneficiaries interact with H.E the President, Dr. William Ruto, in Nairobi County.
Across the country, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Governors and other national and county leaders presided over the regional ceremonies, where they encouraged beneficiaries to utilise the business capital responsibly, apply the skills acquired through Business Development Services and mentorship, and build enterprises capable of creating employment opportunities within their communities.
In the Nyanza Region, Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, Hon. John Mbadi, presided over the disbursement ceremony at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, Mamboleo, where more than 9,000 beneficiaries from Kisumu, Siaya and Homa Bay counties received business start-up capital after successfully completing the mandatory Business Development Services training. He was joined by Attorney General Hon. Dorcas Oduor, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Children Welfare Services CPA Carren Ageng’o, Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Ombam, and other leaders, who reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to creating sustainable economic opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
CS Hon. John Mbadi presiding NYOTA disbursement in Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, Kisumu
In Eastern Region, the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Dr. Alfred Mutua, presided over the ceremony at Kitui Stadium, bringing together 5,000 beneficiaries from Machakos, Kitui and Makueni counties. At Kirubia Stadium in Chuka, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Hon. Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku, officiated the disbursement to beneficiaries from Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi counties, who collectively received KSh 153.75 million to establish and expand their enterprises.
CS Dr. Alfred Mutua and Hon. Geofrey Ruku presiding over the disbursement ceremonies at Kitui and Kirubia Stadiums.
In Central Region, Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Alice Wahome, presided over the ceremony at Ihura Stadium in Murang’a, where 7,055 beneficiaries from Murang’a, Nyeri and Kirinyaga counties received KSh 176.375 million in business capital. Along the Coast, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya, led the ceremony at the ASK Showground, Mombasa, where 5,746 young entrepreneurs from Mombasa, Kwale and Taita Taveta counties received KSh 143.65 million to establish and grow their businesses.
CS Hon. Alice Wahome and CS Hon. Salim Mvurya interacting with the NYOTA beneficiaries during the disbursement ceremonies.
The North Eastern Region also witnessed a successful disbursement in Garissa, Wajir and Mandera counties, with 7,560 youth from the three counties benefiting from the current phase of the Business Support intervention.
In Western Kenya, Prime Cabinet Secretary Hon. Musalia Mudavadi presided over the ceremony at Masinde Muliro University Grounds, where 14,171 beneficiaries from Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia and Vihiga counties received KSh 354.275 million in business capital. Meanwhile, in the Rift Valley Region, Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, led the ceremony at Eldoret Sports Club, where 6,914 beneficiaries from Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nandi counties received KSh 172.85 million to establish and expand their businesses.
Prime CS Hon. Musalia Mudavadi and CS Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen during the disbursement ceremonies.
Speaking in various ceremonies, national leaders emphasized that the NYOTA Business Support go beyond the provision of business capital by equipping young entrepreneurs with practical entrepreneurship skills, Business Development Services and mentorship necessary to build resilient and competitive enterprises. Beneficiaries were encouraged to invest the capital prudently, embrace innovation, formalise their businesses and create employment opportunities that contribute to economic growth.
Pictorials during disbursement ceremonies at various venues.
