Thousands of Youth Receive NYOTA Start-Up Capital in Nationwide Disbursement

By Mishel Akinyi

Thousands of young Kenyans gathered at the Ulinzi Sports Complex and various venues across the country on Friday for the NYOTA Second Start-Up Capital Disbursement, marking a major milestone in the government’s efforts to empower youth through entrepreneurship.

The event brought together beneficiaries from different counties, reflecting the programme’s nationwide reach and its focus on equipping young people with the resources needed to start and grow businesses.

More than 122,000 youth who successfully completed business training and mentorship programmes are now receiving start-up capital to help launch or expand their enterprises. The funding is expected to enable thousands of young entrepreneurs to turn their business ideas into sustainable ventures.

President William Samoei Ruto presided over the ceremony at Ulinzi Sports Complex, reaffirming the government’s commitment to creating economic opportunities for young people through enterprise, innovation, and job creation.

Speaking during the event, leaders noted that breaking the cycle of poverty requires more than financial support alone. They emphasized the importance of combining quality education, practical skills, mentorship, affordable financing, access to markets, and the determination of young entrepreneurs to achieve lasting economic transformation.

The NYOTA programme integrates these key elements by providing beneficiaries with entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and financial support, giving them a stronger foundation to build successful businesses.