NAIROBI, Kenya — It is now emerging that over one million applications for Cycle 1 of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project were received by the end of the application period on May 15, 2025.
Confirming the figures, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy, and Sports, Salim Mvurya, noted that the overwhelming number of applications underscores the strong demand and enthusiasm among Kenyan youth to participate in the program.
CS Mvurya welcomed the World Bank’s commitment to enhance funding for the NYOTA Project, following strategic deliberations at Talanta Plaza with the World Bank team led by Daniel Dulitzky, Director of Human Development.
“We have received an overwhelming number of applications from across the country. While this exceeds our initial target, we are glad that our development partners are willing to increase funding and extend the project period to accommodate as many eligible youths as possible,” said CS Mvurya.
How much money will the successful NYOTA applicants receive
The Ministry has officially embarked on the screening and selection process for youth who applied for business support under Cycle 1 of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, a flagship initiative designed to empower 800,000 young people in Kenya by expanding access to entrepreneurship opportunities, skills development, and dignified livelihoods.
Following the screening and selection process, 100,000 successful applicants will receive a grant of Sh20 billion in five years after undertaking an Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test and completing Business Development Services Training, which are key steps in equipping them for sustainable enterprise development.
In addition, starting June 30, 2025, the Ministry will open applications for an additional 110,000 youth to participate in the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Apprenticeship Programmes, which will be certified by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA). These programs target youth who already possess practical skills in various trades.
Participants will be matched with master craftsmen and employers to further refine their expertise, gain industry exposure, and improve employability. Each successful participant will receive a monthly stipend of sh6,000 as part of the support package.
What is the government doing to make the program a success
CS Mvurya further emphasised the government’s strong focus on mentorship, monitoring, and evaluation frameworks to ensure the program delivers meaningful and measurable outcomes.
“We aim to strengthen the link between beneficiaries and implementers to ensure that NYOTA delivers tangible and lasting results. It’s not just about access to capital but about sustained transformation through skills, mentorship, and accountability.”
President William Ruto is expected to launch the rollout of the NYOTA Project implementation in July this year.
This milestone, according to CS Mvurya, reflects the head of state’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and the transformation of youth potential into viable economic opportunities, aligned with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
