By KPC Reporter
Nearly 7,000 young entrepreneurs from Nyeri, Murang’a, Nyandarua and Kirinyaga counties have received a major boost after the government disbursed KSh173.2 million under the NYOTA Project Business Start-Up Capital programme.
The funds were officially released on Monday during a ceremony held at the ASK Grounds in Nyeri, presided over by President William Ruto.
In the first phase of the programme, 6,982 successful applicants will each receive KSh25,000 to help kick-start or grow their businesses.
Of this amount, KSh22,000 will be credited directly to beneficiaries’ Pochi La Biashara wallets to support day-to-day operations, while KSh3,000 will be saved under the Haba Na Haba savings scheme through the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
Speaking at the event, President Ruto said the NYOTA Project was designed to give young people a fair chance to access capital, regardless of where they come from.
“This programme is fully digital, transparent and inclusive. Every young person in Kenya has an equal opportunity to apply through *254#,” the President said, describing youth as the country’s “greatest asset”.
He added that the government’s focus is to ensure investments in education translate into real economic opportunities.
He cited key interventions such as the Affordable Housing Programme, labour export initiatives, the digital economy drive targeting one million youth, expanded internship opportunities, and direct support for young entrepreneurs through NYOTA.
According to the President, the NYOTA Programme is expected to reach more than 800,000 young people nationwide.
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki said combining start-up capital with entrepreneurship training and a savings culture was critical for long-term impact.
“The mix of business capital, skills and savings lays a strong foundation for resilient families and a stronger economy,” Prof. Kindiki said, urging beneficiaries to treat the funding as a stepping stone rather than a one-off benefit.
Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya praised the programme’s design, noting that it ensures equitable access across all 1,450 wards in the country.
“No region and no community is left behind,” Mvurya said.
On her part, Principal Secretary for MSME Development Susan Mangéni highlighted the role of small and medium enterprises as the biggest source of jobs for young people.
“This grant should be invested fully in your businesses so that you can grow, create jobs and support other young people,” she told the beneficiaries.
Governors from Nyeri, Murang’a and Nyandarua counties who attended the event pledged additional county-level support for NYOTA beneficiaries.
The support includes licence fee waivers, access to business spaces in county markets, business development services, better market linkages and award programmes to recognise outstanding young entrepreneurs.
The NYOTA Project is part of the government’s broader youth empowerment agenda aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and sustainable livelihoods across the country.
