By KPC Reporter
More than 5,000 youth from all 60 wards in Mandera and Wajir counties received Ksh 126 million in NYOTA start-up grants, presided over by President Ruto.
In the first phase of the programme, each beneficiary is receiving Ksh 25,000. Of this amount, Ksh 22,000 is credited directly to the beneficiary’s Pochi la Biashara mobile wallet to meet immediate business start-up needs.
Another Ksh 3,000 is invested in a Haba na Haba Savings Account managed by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) to promote a culture of savings and long-term financial security.
In the second phase, beneficiaries will receive an additional Ksh 25,000, bringing the total start-up capital per youth entrepreneur to Ksh 50,000.
In Mandera County, 2,520 young entrepreneurs from all 30 wards received Ksh 63 million during a ceremony held at Mandera Stadium.
A similar number of beneficiaries—2,520 youth drawn from 30 wards—received Ksh 63 million at Wajir Stadium.
Speaking during the Wajir disbursement, President Ruto reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, noting that significant public resources are being directed towards education, job creation and enterprise development.
“We are spending a significant portion of our national budget to empower the youth through education, job creation and enterprise development,” the President said.
He added that youth empowerment had previously not received adequate priority, contributing to slower economic growth, but said this had been reversed through targeted investments in programmes such as the NYOTA Project, Affordable Housing, Digital Jobs, the Kazi Majuu (Labour Export) Programme and expanded government recruitment.
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki highlighted ongoing investments in road infrastructure across the North Eastern region, saying improved connectivity would unlock economic potential, ease the movement of goods and services and enable local enterprises to thrive.
Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development, Dr Wycliffe Oparanya, said the ministry will continue supporting all NYOTA beneficiaries to ensure their businesses succeed.
Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya urged young people to apply for the Government’s On-the-Job Experience Programme via *254#, noting that more than 880,000 youth have already applied ahead of the extended deadline of Friday, 13 February 2026.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale underscored the Government’s commitment to equitable development without discrimination, describing it as a cornerstone of national unity.
Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua said the Kazi Majuu Programme links Kenyan youth to legitimate overseas employment opportunities and advised applicants to ensure recruitment agents are licensed by the National Employment Authority.
Principal Secretary for MSMEs Development Susan Mang’eni confirmed that all beneficiaries underwent business training before disbursement and will continue to receive mentorship to enhance sustainability.
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi lauded the NYOTA Project as a transformative initiative and announced that the county government will waive business licence fees for NYOTA entrepreneurs.
The Mandera and Wajir events marked the conclusion of Phase One of the nationwide NYOTA Business Start-Up Capital component.
Similar disbursements have already been conducted in Kakamega, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nyeri, Machakos, Nairobi, Meru, Malindi, Mombasa and Garissa.
