Youth in Four Counties Receive103.9M NYOTA Start-Up Boost

President William Ruto launched the disbursement of NYOTA Project Business Start-Up Capital, injecting Sh103,975,000 to support youth-led enterprises across Samburu, Isiolo, Laikipia and Marsabit counties.

The funds will benefit 4,159 young entrepreneurs, each receiving Ksh. 25,000 to start or expand their businesses. Of this amount, Ksh. 22,000 will be deposited directly into Pochi La Biashara to support business operations, while Ksh. 3,000 will be saved under the Haba Na Haba savings account with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

Speaking during the launch, President Ruto described the NYOTA Project as a strategic intervention designed to strengthen Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as a key driver of economic growth. He underscored the central role of young people in the country’s development.

“The talent, energy, and expertise of our youth will drive Kenya into a first-world economy.”

The President further announced that the Government, through the NYOTA Project, will train 600,000 young men and women on access to government procurement opportunities, enabling them to compete for tenders at both national and county levels.

Deputy President H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki said Kenyan youth remain the country’s most valuable national resource, noting that the NYOTA Project is aligned with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and seeks to unlock opportunities for youth-led businesses nationwide.

Cabinet Secretary Hon. Salim Mvurya praised the initiative as a practical response to youth challenges, describing the NYOTA Project as accessible, transparent and accountable. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring effective implementation and sustained support for young entrepreneurs.

Principal Secretary, State Department for MSME Development, Hon. Susan Mangeni, commended the youth for embracing entrepreneurship as a pathway to nation-building, noting that beneficiaries have been equipped with business skills training, access to start-up capital and structured mentorship to support sustainable enterprise growth.

Governors from Laikipia, Marsabit and Isiolo counties, who attended the event, pledged county-level support for NYOTA beneficiaries. The commitments include business licence waivers, additional training through county-operated TVET institutions, waivers on livestock movement permits, and ongoing business development support.