Gov't launches second phase of NYOTA programme as 1,680 Marsabit youth receive business grants

Speaking during the national launch presided over by President William Ruto in Marsabit County, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo said the programme is helping young Kenyans access capital, skills and employment opportunities to improve their livelihoods.

Dr. Omollo said NYOTA targets youth aged between 18 and 29 years, as well as persons with disabilities up to the age of 35, and is being implemented across all 1,450 wards nationwide.

According to the PS, 1,570 beneficiaries in Marsabit received the initial KSh25,000 business support grant during the programme's first phase, while 1,680 youth are benefiting in the current phase, including new entrants.

“The success stories we are witnessing across Marsabit and the country demonstrate that when young people are given opportunities, they can transform their lives, support their families and contribute to national development. We are proud that more than 90 per cent of beneficiaries have successfully invested the first grant in productive business ventures,” said Dr. Omollo.

Under the second phase, beneficiaries will receive an additional KSh25,000 grant. Of this amount, KSh3,000 will be channelled to the National Social Security Fund's (NSSF) Haba Haba Savings Scheme to encourage savings and enhance financial resilience among young entrepreneurs.

Dr. Omollo commended the Marsabit County Government for supporting youth enterprises and praised the county administration for waiving business licence fees for young entrepreneurs.

He urged other county governments to adopt similar measures and strengthen collaboration with the national government to create a favourable environment for youth-led businesses.

“When our young people prosper, our counties prosper, and ultimately the entire country prospers. The partnership between the National Government and County Governments is critical in ensuring that young entrepreneurs succeed,” he said.

The PS also highlighted other components of the NYOTA Programme, including on-the-job training opportunities designed to provide practical workplace experience and the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) initiative, which enables artisans such as mechanics, plumbers and technicians to obtain formal certification for skills acquired through work experience.

He said the programme is part of the Government's broader strategy to tackle youth unemployment by linking young people to skills development, entrepreneurship opportunities and employment pathways.

Dr. Omollo further encouraged beneficiaries to take advantage of other government empowerment initiatives, including the Hustler Fund, the Youth Enterprise Development Fund and the Women Enterprise Fund, as well as procurement opportunities available through national and county governments.

He challenged the beneficiaries to build sustainable businesses capable of creating employment for others, describing entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic growth and youth empowerment.

The launch of the programme's second phase marks a major step in the Government's efforts to expand opportunities for young people through enterprise development and inclusive economic growth.

Also present at the event were Petroleum Principal Secretary Kello Harsama and Marsabit Deputy Governor Solomon Gubo.