NAIROBI, Kenya — Only one in four Kenyans believes the application and selection process for the government-backed Nyota Fund is transparent, according to a new opinion poll by Infotrak, highlighting growing public scepticism around one of the flagship youth empowerment programmes.
The poll, released this week, shows that just 25 per cent of respondents consider the process transparent, while 31 per cent believe it is not.
The strongest mistrust was recorded at the Coast region, where 42 per cent of respondents said they doubt the transparency of the fund’s rollout.
Scepticism was also highest among older Kenyans, with 42 per cent of those aged 46 and above expressing mistrust in how beneficiaries are selected.
The Nyota Fund is a five-year government initiative, supported by the World Bank, aimed at empowering 820,000 unemployed youth aged 18 to 29, or up to 35 years for persons living with disabilities, through business financing, training and mentorship.
Despite concerns over transparency, perceptions differ across demographics.
Among unemployed respondents, 29 per cent said they believe the fund’s processes are very transparent, suggesting cautious optimism among some of the programme’s target beneficiaries.
Confusion over Nyota Fund’s main objective
The Infotrak poll also revealed a disconnect between public expectations and the programme’s stated goals.
Nationally, 60 per cent of Kenyans view the Nyota Fund primarily as a source of business grants.
However, perceptions vary sharply by region. In North Eastern Kenya, 42 per cent believe the fund’s main focus is mentorship and training, the highest proportion holding that view countrywide.
On who should be prioritised for support, 26 per cent of respondents said youth with business ideas, regardless of education level, should be the top beneficiaries.
This view was most pronounced in the Rift Valley (35 per cent) and among Kenyans aged 46 and above, at the same percentage.
Government defends transparency
The findings come as President William Ruto continues to crisscross the country overseeing fund disbursements.
On Monday, the President was in Kisumu, where he distributed over Sh220 million to more than 8,000 youths under the programme.
President Ruto has repeatedly assured Kenyans that the Nyota Fund will be administered transparently, warning that corruption will not be tolerated.
Under the Business Support Component, beneficiaries receive start-up capital to launch or expand small enterprises, but only after completing mandatory training.
The programme also includes a structured mentorship and business development framework designed to help young entrepreneurs build sustainable ventures.
Survey methodology
The Infotrak survey was conducted on January 24 among 800 respondents, representing adult Kenyans across all 47 counties.
The sampling used Population Proportionate to Size, guided by the 2019 census, with a margin of error of ±3.46 per cent at a 95 per cent confidence level.
Officials have urged beneficiaries to follow official schedules and attend designated venues, stressing that all updates will be communicated strictly through official Nyota Fund channels, as Phase Two builds on earlier nationwide training and disbursements.
