Gov't rolls out phase two of NYOTA project targeting 50,000 youth in 27 counties

The government has begun the second phase of business start-up capital disbursement under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, targeting close to 50,000 vulnerable youth entrepreneurs across 27 counties.

The rollout, scheduled between January 8 and January 16, 2026, follows the completion of mandatory three-day business skills training by successful beneficiaries.

Each beneficiary will receive Ksh.22,000 deposited into their Nyota Pochi la Biashara wallet, alongside Ksh.3,000 saved under the Haba na Haba account managed by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

The NYOTA Project is a five-year initiative by the Government of Kenya, financed by the World Bank.

It seeks to unlock the potential of Kenya’s youth by addressing unemployment, expanding income-generating opportunities, and fostering a culture of savings and entrepreneurship.

Implemented by the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development, the project aims to empower more than 100,000 young people across all 1,450 wards nationwide, with a minimum of 70 beneficiaries per ward.

The Business Support Component has already been rolled out countrywide through classroom-based training.

The first tranche of start-up capital was disbursed on November 7, 2025, covering the Western Kenya cluster of Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia and Bungoma counties.

A total of 12,155 beneficiaries received Ksh.25,000 each, including mandatory savings, amounting to a total disbursement of Ksh.303.9 million.

The ongoing second phase will be conducted through regional mentorship and disbursement events presided over by President William Ruto.

The counties covered include Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Trans-Nzoia, Turkana, West Pokot, Nakuru, Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Baringo, Laikipia, Isiolo, Samburu, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Nairobi, Kiambu and Kajiado.

Beyond financing, beneficiaries will undergo a two-month mentorship programme delivered by business development experts and local entrepreneurs to support guided entry into local business ecosystems and markets.

They will also receive a second phase of business development support training in preparation for a subsequent tranche of funding.

Principal Secretary for MSMEs Development, Susan Mang’eni, said beneficiaries are expected to utilise the business grants strictly in line with approved business plans developed during training, with continuous technical support provided.

She added that the disbursement schedule for the third phase—covering 16 counties including Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River, Mombasa, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Nyamira, Kisii, Marsabit, Garissa, Mandera and Wajir—will be announced in due course.

The NYOTA Project forms a key pillar of the government’s youth economic empowerment agenda, aimed at promoting enterprise creation, job growth and sustainable livelihoods across the country.