President William Ruto on Tuesday launched the disbursement of KSh258.4 million in start-up capital under the NYOTA Project, giving a major boost to more than 10,000 youth-led businesses across Nairobi, Kiambu and Kajiado counties.
The launch, held at the Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani, marked a significant milestone in the Government’s efforts to tackle youth unemployment through enterprise development. A total of 10,337 young entrepreneurs are set to benefit in the first phase, each receiving KSh25,000 to start or expand their businesses.
Under the programme structure, KSh22,000 is credited directly to beneficiaries’ Pochi la Biashara accounts to support day-to-day business operations, while KSh3,000 is saved through the Haba na Haba savings scheme managed by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). Beneficiaries will receive an additional KSh25,000 in the second phase, bringing total support per entrepreneur to KSh50,000.
Speaking during the ceremony, President Ruto reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to inclusive economic empowerment, saying opportunities under NYOTA are open to all young people regardless of political, religious or social background.
“The NYOTA Project is a holistic intervention that integrates start-up capital with business skills training, mentorship and structured support from county governments to ensure youth-led enterprises are sustainable and scalable,” the President said.
He further encouraged young people to take advantage of complementary government programmes, including the Labour Export Programme, the Affordable Housing Programme and opportunities emerging within the digital economy.
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki described NYOTA as a cornerstone of the Government’s whole-of-government strategy to expand employment and entrepreneurship pathways for young people, noting that youth remain central to Kenya’s economic transformation agenda.
Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development, Dr Wycliffe Oparanya, said the programme’s ward-based beneficiary selection aligns with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), ensuring grassroots inclusion and equitable access. Youth Affairs, Sports and the Creative Economy Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya assured that the ministry is fully prepared to implement the project and reach all deserving youth.
Governors present at the event, including Nairobi’s Johnson Sakaja and Kajiado’s Joseph Ole Lenku, pledged county-level support for NYOTA beneficiaries through measures such as business licence fee waivers and targeted capacity-building programmes aimed at helping young enterprises grow and thrive.
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