The Principal Secretary, State Department for MSMEs Development, Hon. Susan Mang’eni, joined by MSEA Board Chair Mr. James Mureu and Ms. Hellen Kwamboka from the World Bank, undertook a comprehensive monitoring visit of NYOTA Business Development Skills Training across Busia County.
The monitoring exercise, which began in Budalangi, Funyula, Matayos, Butula, Nambale, Teso North and South Constituencies, gave the leadership team the opportunity to interact directly with the youth participants. Beneficiaries shared their aspirations, experiences, and the impact of the training on their entrepreneurial journeys. Many highlighted how the program has built their confidence in business management, enhanced their record-keeping and financial literacy skills, and opened their eyes to new market opportunities. Some youthful entrepreneurs even showcased their progress during the sessions, giving testimony to how the training is reshaping their outlook on enterprise as a viable career path.
The Principal Secretary, State Department for MSMEs Development, Hon. Susan Mang’eni, and MSEA Board Chair Mr. James Mureu addressing beneficiaries at Budalangi and Funyula training centers.
One such beneficiary is Emma Amongo, a young pig farmer from Busia County. Emma shared how the training has transformed the way she runs her agribusiness. “Before NYOTA, I did not fully understand the importance of record keeping and managing farm finances. Now, I can track my costs and profits, and I am learning how to expand my market reach,” she explained. Emma added that the confidence gained through the training has encouraged her to dream bigger and once she receives the start-up capital she will grow her pig farming into a large-scale enterprise that can create jobs for other youth in her village.
Emma Amongo a Nyota beneficiary giving her testimonial.
Later, the Principal Secretary, together with MSEA Board Chairman Mr. James Mureu, NYOTA National Project Manager Mr. Augustine Mayabi, Mr. Patrick Kamenyi MSEA NYOTA Project coordinator, the Deputy County Commissioner, and officials from the Busia County Government, continued with the monitoring exercise in Matayos, Teso South, and Teso North Constituencies.
At the Matayos Agricultural Training Centre, Hon. Mang’eni commended the impressive turnout and applauded the youth for their discipline and consistency throughout the four-day entrepreneurship training. She urged them to make prudent investments once they receive their grants and to put into practice the knowledge and skills acquired. The PS emphasized that the training is not just about imparting business skills but also about instilling a mindset of resilience, innovation, and responsibility that can transform livelihoods and communities.
The Principal Secretary, State Department for MSMEs Development, Hon. Susan Mang’eni addressing beneficiaries in Matayos Constituency.
Speaking at the same forum, Matayos Deputy County Commissioner Mr. Chesut, encouraged the youth to utilize the grants responsibly to expand their businesses and create employment opportunities for their peers in the villages. He also cautioned the participants on the importance of cyber security, urging them to remain vigilant against online fraud and scams once they begin receiving financial support.
NYOTA National Project Manager Mr. Augustine Mayabi and Matayos Deputy County Commissioner Mr. Chesut addressing beneficiaries in Funyula Constituency.
The monitoring visit highlighted the collaborative efforts between government, the World Bank and local leadership to empower young people through enterprise development. It also reaffirmed the central role of the NYOTA Project in nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurs capable of driving job creation, reducing unemployment, and contributing to local and national economic transformation.
The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) project is a flagship initiative supported by the Government of Kenya in partnership with the World Bank, aimed at empowering young people across the country. The project provides business development skills training, mentorship, and grants to enable youth to establish and grow sustainable enterprises. By equipping participants with practical entrepreneurial skills and financial support, NYOTA seeks to unlock the potential of young people as catalysts of socio-economic growth and transformation within their communities.
As the monitoring exercise in Busia County concluded, the message was clear: with the right skills, guidance, and resources, the youth are not only prepared to build thriving businesses but also to shape a brighter economic future for the nation. #KuzaImarishaEndelezaVijana #EmpoweringMSEs
Pictorial highlights from the monitoring excercise.
