NAKURU, Kenya – More than 100,000 young Kenyans are set to begin receiving start-up capital under the government’s National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (Nyota) programme from Friday, November 7.
The World Bank-backed Sh50 billion initiative will provide Sh50,000 to 70 young people in each of the country’s 1,450 wards to support small business ventures, marking one of the largest targeted youth enterprise programmes launched by the Kenya Kwanza administration.
President William Ruto confirmed the rollout on Monday during the launch of the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme in Nakuru County.
The first batch of beneficiaries was selected after an online aptitude test and physical verification process conducted at constituency offices on October 24.
“I want to thank the youth of Nakuru County for showing up in numbers during the verification process last week,” the President said. “So now, Friday next week is when we will start issuing the Nyota funds. Those whose papers and business ideas were verified, we will give you Sh50,000.”
He said 3,850 young people from Nakuru County are among the initial recipients.
The programme, unveiled in August during International Youth Day celebrations in Kakamega, was officially rolled out in early October after a delay that the President attributed to the need for “proper alignment”.
Ruto said the government will expand the scheme to include youths who have completed vocational or technical training but are yet to receive their certificates—often delayed due to unpaid school fees.
He added that those without any formal training will be enrolled in skills programmes and supported with stipends.
“Some have not even done any course, but we have a plan to also help them. We will give them stipends and help them undergo training,” he said.
The President also announced that beneficiaries—alongside women and other youth groups—will be integrated into national and county procurement frameworks to enable them to competitively supply goods and services to government institutions.
Principal Secretaries were earlier dispatched to all 47 counties to coordinate sensitisation and ensure what State House termed “transparent and inclusive implementation”.
“Every young person deserves a fair chance. By engaging leaders at every level, we are ensuring that this process is transparent and that no one is left behind,” Ruto said.
Beneficiaries will also receive mentorship as part of the programme’s entrepreneurship support component.
