NYOTA Project Deploys 4,879 Mentors as Training for Over 122,000 Youth Entrepreneurs Kicks Off
The government says NYOTA is on track to transform the lives of millions of young Kenyans at the bottom of the economic pyramid.
The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project has entered a crucial new phase, with mandatory mentorship sessions for more than 122,000 Business Support beneficiaries set to begin on Monday, August 11, 2026. PHOTO COURTESY: NEWS LIGHT KENYA
By Judith Waka
The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project has entered a crucial new phase, with mandatory mentorship sessions for more than 122,000 Business Support beneficiaries set to begin on Monday, August 11, 2026.
According to a statement released by the government on Sunday evening, a total of 4,879 mentors have been engaged nationwide to spearhead the training, which is a key component of the project that was rolled out in March 2025.
The NYOTA project targets young Kenyans at the base of the economic pyramid drawn from all 1,450 wards across the country, with the aim of empowering them economically and creating sustainable livelihoods.
On July 10, 2026, the government disbursed start-up capital grants to over 122,000 Business Support beneficiaries, giving them resources to launch and grow their enterprises. The funds were disbursed directly to the beneficiaries following a directive by President William Ruto.
To ensure the grants translate into viable businesses, the government has now moved to provide structured mentorship.
Each of the 4,879 mentors will handle a maximum of 20 mentees, ensuring personalised guidance from experienced business practitioners. The sessions will include business site visits, cross-peer mentorship, business case experiences, coaching, counselling and market linkages.
Beneficiaries have been reminded that completing the mentorship programme is a mandatory requirement for accessing the next tier of government support, and maximum participation has been urged.
“The mentorship is not optional. It is a mandatory requirement for all Business Support beneficiaries who received the start-up capital,” the Project said.
Separately, the government is developing blended financing products to enable NYOTA Business Support beneficiaries to access enhanced funding from government catalytic funds, following a directive issued by President William Ruto during last month’s start-up capital disbursement.
Work is also under way alongside county governments to design a framework for business licence waivers that would open up markets and viable trading spaces for NYOTA beneficiaries, many of whom struggle to access affordable trading spaces.
Beyond the Business Support component, the government is also preparing to roll out the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) training component next month, targeting more than 600,000 young entrepreneurs to increase their participation in government procurement. The training will equip youth with skills to bid for and execute government tenders.
Under the On-the-Job Experience component, Socio-Emotional Skills Development training is currently running in 18 counties: Isiolo, Marsabit, Laikipia, Samburu, Turkana, Baringo, Nandi, West Pokot, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Lamu, Mombasa, Kilifi, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir and Tana River.
Once that training is complete, participants will transition into a five-month apprenticeship under experienced master craftsmen and employers, where they will gain hands-on industry experience, occupational skills and mentorship aimed at preparing them for sustainable livelihoods.
The government says NYOTA is on track to transform the lives of millions of young Kenyans at the bottom of the economic pyramid.
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