NAIROBI, Kenya- The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project has showcased the impact of its NYOTA business grants, highlighting how government funding is helping young entrepreneurs revive struggling businesses, expand enterprises and create new sources of income across the country.
The programme said the initiative is delivering more than financial support by enabling youth to build sustainable businesses, improve livelihoods and create employment opportunities.
“The real success of NYOTA cannot be measured only in billions of shillings invested or the number of beneficiaries reached. Its true impact is measured in people,” the programme said in a statement.
Among the beneficiaries is Ali from Kwale County, whose fishing business stalled after his boat broke down. Through the NYOTA grant, he repaired the vessel and diversified into the tourism sector by offering boat rides along Kenya’s coastline.
According to the programme, the venture has created a new income stream for his family while reducing dependence on fishing alone.
“Today, the same vessel carries tourists along Kenya’s coastline, transforming a simple repair into a thriving tourism enterprise that has diversified his income and secured his family’s future,” the statement said.
The project also highlighted the journey of Florence Mumbi, who rebuilt her life after recovering from a difficult childbirth. With support from NYOTA, she established a fried chicken business that now provides her with a stable income.
The programme said the business has restored both her financial independence and confidence.
Another beneficiary, Samuel, used the grant to strengthen his motorcycle transport business after previously struggling to repay a motorcycle loan before earning an income.
The additional capital increased his daily earnings, enabling him to reinvest in the business while pursuing plans to expand his operations.
“His ambition is no longer limited to owning one motorcycle. He now dreams of building a fleet that will create employment opportunities for other young riders,” the statement said.
For Damaris, who already operated a small business selling eggs, smokies and potatoes, the grant provided working capital to increase stock and boost profitability.
The programme said she now hopes to establish Damaris Butchery, reflecting her long-term business ambitions.
According to NYOTA, although the beneficiaries come from different counties and sectors, they share a common outcome of using the grants to build sustainable enterprises and improve their economic prospects.
As the programme enters its next phase, NYOTA said its focus is shifting from helping young people start businesses to supporting long-term enterprise growth.
The project plans to work with county governments to address challenges such as business licensing and permits, establish a unique NYOTA entrepreneur identity to improve access to government support programmes, and strengthen financing through the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, Uwezo Fund, Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE) and the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) programme.
The programme also announced the rollout of its second phase, under which Sh3.06 billion will be invested to support 122,203 young entrepreneurs nationwide.
The funding will benefit 33,269 first-time recipients receiving business grants and 88,934 existing beneficiaries who will receive a second tranche to expand their businesses.
The second phase is scheduled to begin in the North Eastern region on July 10 before expanding to the Western, Central Rift and Coast regions under the leadership of Cabinet Secretaries, the Deputy President and other senior government officials.