NAIROBI, Kenya — The government has launched a nationwide mentorship programme targeting more than 122,000 young entrepreneurs who received start-up capital under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project.
The mentorship programme began on Monday, August 10, 2026, and is being implemented across all 1,450 wards in the country, with 4,879 mentors engaged to guide beneficiaries as they grow their businesses.
Under the programme, each beneficiary has been assigned an experienced business practitioner who will mentor no more than 20 young entrepreneurs.
The mentorship sessions will include business site visits, peer-to-peer learning, business case experiences, coaching, counselling and market linkages, according to the government.
Officials said the programme is intended to help beneficiaries strengthen their businesses, improve decision-making and gain access to markets and additional opportunities for growth.
The government is also developing innovative and blended financing products that will enable NYOTA business beneficiaries to access additional funding through government catalytic financing mechanisms.
The initiative follows President William Ruto’s directive to expand access to financing for NYOTA beneficiaries after the disbursement of start-up capital last month.
The government is further working with county administrations to establish a framework for implementing business licence waivers for NYOTA beneficiaries.
The waivers are intended to ease the cost of doing business and improve beneficiaries’ access to markets and viable trading spaces.
AGPO Training to Target 600,000 Youth
The government is also finalising preparations for the rollout of the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) training component next month.
The training is expected to target more than 600,000 young entrepreneurs, with the aim of increasing their participation in government procurement opportunities.
Through AGPO, young people and other eligible groups can access opportunities to supply goods and services to government institutions.
NYOTA Apprenticeship Programme Expands
Meanwhile, the On-the-Job Experience (OJE) component of NYOTA is progressing in 18 counties, where beneficiaries are currently undertaking Socio-Emotional Skills Development (SESD) training.
The counties are Isiolo, Marsabit, Laikipia, Samburu, Turkana, Baringo, Nandi, West Pokot, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Lamu, Mombasa, Kilifi, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir and Tana River.
After completing the SESD training, beneficiaries will proceed to a five-month apprenticeship under experienced master craftsmen and employers.
The apprenticeship programme will provide participants with practical industry experience, mentorship and occupational skills aimed at improving their employability and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
The government has reminded NYOTA business support beneficiaries that completing the mentorship programme is mandatory for them to qualify for the next level of support.
Beneficiaries have consequently been urged to participate fully in the sessions as the government seeks to strengthen youth entrepreneurship, expand access to financing and improve employment opportunities across the country.
