ELDORET, Kenya — President William Ruto on Thursday launched the second phase of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, marking a fresh push to support youth entrepreneurship.
The event took place at the Eldoret Sports Club.
It coincided with the disbursement of funds to young entrepreneurs from several Rift Valley counties.
President Ruto said the government has released about Sh250 million to more than 9,500 youth under the Nyota Business Start-Up Capital programme.
The beneficiaries come from Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, and West Pokot counties.
“Each beneficiary has received Sh22,000 to grow their enterprises,” the President said in a statement.
The Ministry of Cooperatives said the programme targets about 50,000 young people nationwide in this phase. Funds are being sent directly to beneficiaries through their NYOTA mobile wallets.
In addition to the business grant, each beneficiary will receive Sh3,000 deposited into their NSSF savings account. The government said the move aims to promote long-term financial security among young entrepreneurs.
“This initiative is a critical step in equipping our youth with the resources and skills needed to thrive as entrepreneurs,” a ministry official said.
Officials said the funding supports small businesses in sectors such as retail, agribusiness, services and light manufacturing. The programme also links beneficiaries to training and mentorship to improve business survival.
The Eldoret event covered beneficiaries from the North Rift region. Similar disbursement exercises are scheduled to continue in other counties.
The ministry said Nakuru will host upcoming NYOTA events on January 9 and 12. Youth from Nakuru, Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Baringo, Laikipia, Isiolo and Samburu counties are set to benefit.
The NYOTA Project forms part of the government’s broader youth empowerment agenda. The programme focuses on job creation, enterprise development and financial inclusion.
The government has identified youth unemployment as a major economic challenge. Officials say access to start-up capital remains one of the biggest barriers facing young entrepreneurs.
By providing direct grants and mandatory savings, the NYOTA Project aims to help youth start businesses, stabilise incomes, and reduce reliance on informal work.
President Ruto said the initiative supports the administration’s plan to shift young people from job seekers to job creators.
The government said it will monitor the use of funds and track business outcomes to guide future expansion of the programme.
Officials added that more youth will be enrolled in subsequent phases as funding allows, with a focus on equitable regional distribution.
The NYOTA Project is expected to play a key role in driving youth-led economic growth and supporting small enterprises across the country.
