By KPC Reporter
President William Ruto on Thursday launched the disbursement of KSh235.6 million in start-up capital under the NYOTA Project for six counties in the North Rift region, a move set to benefit 9,423 young entrepreneurs.
The programme targets youth from Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Trans-Nzoia, Turkana and West Pokot counties.
Each beneficiary will receive KSh25,000, with KSh22,000 credited to a Pochi La Biashara wallet to support business operations, and KSh3,000 deposited into a Haba Na Haba savings account under the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) to encourage a savings culture.
Speaking at the launch in Eldoret, President Ruto described the NYOTA Project as “a benchmark for transparency and inclusivity,” saying it gives “every young Kenyan an equal chance through a fully digitised process.”
He said the initiative is a flagship government programme aimed at youth empowerment through job creation and enterprise development.
The President added that NYOTA complements other government interventions, including the affordable housing programme, labour export initiatives and opportunities within the digital economy.
Governors from the beneficiary counties pledged support for the young entrepreneurs, committing to waive business licence fees and cess charges to reduce the cost of doing business.
They also announced plans to make enterprise development funds available to help beneficiaries access additional capital.
During a mentorship panel session hosted by the Principal Secretary for the State Department for MSMEs Development, Susan Mangeni, President Ruto shared his personal journey as a hustler in Maili Tisa, Uasin Gishu County.
He urged the youth to remain resilient and to take advantage of government support mechanisms such as the Hustler Fund, Uwezo Fund and the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) to grow their businesses.
The Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development, Hon. FCPA Wycliffe Oparanya, hailed the NYOTA Project as “the largest youth job creation exercise in Kenya’s history.”
He noted that the initiative is designed to ensure fairness, with “at least 70 beneficiaries reached in each of the 1,450 wards across the country.”
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, advised beneficiaries to invest the start-up capital prudently.
He added that other components of the project, including Job Experience and Recognition of Prior Learning, will roll out immediately after the completion of the business support phase.
Meanwhile, Marianne Keitany, Vice-Chairperson of the National Assembly’s Trade and Cooperatives Committee, said Parliament is considering the Start-Up Bill, which aims to create a more enabling environment for micro, small and medium enterprises.
She said the proposed law will mainstream access to business development services, provide for licence waivers and establish a clear framework for capital flows to MSMEs.