Ksh.258 Million NYOTA Grants Released by the Government to Give Lifeline to Over 10,000 Youth Entrepreneurs in Nairobi Region
Beneficiaries will receive an extra Ksh.25,000 under this second phase of the initiative, which raises the total financial support extended to each entrepreneur to Ksh.50,000.
President William Ruto engaging with youths at the Kasarani Stadium on January 19, 2026 during the launch of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) business support programme. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
The Disbursement of over Ksh.258 million to youth entrepreneurs has been a national project unveiled under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) initiative within the government to promote business and economic empowerment for youth-led businesses. President William Ruto presided over the event held to release these funds at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Monday.
Ksh.258.4 million has been allocated to serve the course of 10,337 youth from Nairobi, Kiambu and Kajiado counties. Each beneficiary will receive Ksh.25,000 as an initial grant to start or grow their business or for capital expansion.
Under that dispensation, Ksh. 22,000 will be deposited directly into the Pochi la Biashara account of each beneficiary for day-to-day support for business activities. The remaining cash of Ksh.3,000 will be kept in a Haba na Haba Savings Account managed by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), a measure designed to cultivate saving habits among young entrepreneurs.
President Ruto reiterated that the Government still remains committed to empowering young people, especially through expanding access to economic opportunities, including digital employment. He directed young people to take full use of government programs that directly uplift their lives.
In addressing the beneficiaries, the President observed that the digital economy offers equal opportunities for young people irrespective of one’s background or personal links. According to him, youths can now access work and earn a living on their own in the expanding digital ecosystem through online platforms.
He went further to argue that the NYOTA program is more than just financial support, for there is training, mentorship and continued guidance to the beneficiaries. As stated by the President, the government would be rolling out multiple opportunities across sectors like housing, information and communication technology, and labour to ensure that every youth would enjoy holistic empowerment.
The NYOTA Initiative is a five-year partnership between the World Bank and the Government of Kenya, with a total investment of Ken Shs.5 billion. Among its flagship projects is one that targets youth empowerment through entrepreneurship and skills development. Grants must be used only for the approved business plans developed at training, while technical support is an ongoing endeavour to enhance sustainability.
Beneficiaries will receive an extra Ksh.25,000 under this second phase of the initiative, which raises the total financial support extended to each entrepreneur to Ksh.50,000.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki commended the program as a transformative initiative for young people entering business. He noted that NYOTA is inclusive in that it does not discriminate against youths based on the levels of education or skills possessed.
He added that at least 70 youths from every ward in Nairobi, Kiambu and Kajiado counties have benefited and pledged his support to the government’s broader youth empowerment agenda.
The government, meanwhile, has announced that further details on the third phase of the NYOTA disbursements to cover 16 counties, including Kilifi, Lamu, Mombasa, Kisumu, Garissa, Mandera and Wajir, will be communicated later.
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