Nairobi: The government has announced the expansion of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme to 25 additional counties, marking a major step in empowering thousands of young entrepreneurs across the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development Principal Secretary (PS) Susan Mang’eni stated that the expansion follows the successful rollout of the project’s first phase in the Western cluster, which included Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, and Busia counties. Last Friday, the NYOTA programme was officially launched, and business start-up capital began to be disbursed to beneficiaries at Mumias Sports Complex in Kakamega. A total of 12,155 beneficiaries received over Sh303.8 million, with each accessing Sh22,000 through Pochi La Biashara, and Sh3,000 set aside as mandatory savings.
The savings are designed to instil financial discipline among beneficiaries and serve as a buffer against economic shocks. Mang’eni explained that this mechanism allows beneficiaries to use their savings as collateral when seeking further financing from mainstream institutions.
Speaking in Nairobi, the PS noted that the five-year project aims to empower over 100,000 vulnerable youth across all 1,450 wards in the country, with at least 70 beneficiaries in each ward. Additionally, 5,000 refugees in Kakuma and Dadaab camps and another 5,000 host community members are set to benefit from the programme. Preparations for refugee participation are ongoing, with validation and documentation being coordinated with relevant government agencies.
The second phase of training is set to commence on November 14, 2025, in 25 counties, including Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Uasin Gishu, and others. This phase will involve 63,231 beneficiaries trained in 222 centres across 151 constituencies for four days, with each participant required to attend at least three days to qualify for start-up capital.
The remaining 18 counties, including Nairobi, Kiambu, and Elgeyo Marakwet, will be covered in a subsequent rollout once logistical and safety concerns are addressed. The Elgeyo Marakwet rollout, in particular, was delayed due to a recent landslide tragedy.
After classroom sessions, beneficiaries will enter a two-month mentorship programme, followed by business linkage training and further mentorship before receiving the second half of their funding. This mentorship aims to provide practical guidance during the most vulnerable stage of business development.
Mang’eni emphasized the government’s commitment to creating a supportive business ecosystem through collaboration with business development experts. Professional business development firms have been recruited across Kenya to offer training and mentorship, with each cluster having six to eight firms that understand local business environments.
Addressing concerns about fund misuse, the PS assured that the Pochi La Biashara digital platform allows real-time transaction tracking to ensure accountability. Beneficiaries will only qualify for the second disbursement after demonstrating proper utilization of the first tranche.
The PS reiterated that NYOTA is more than a funding initiative; it is a comprehensive empowerment journey designed to build sustainable entrepreneurship. Mang’eni expressed gratitude to the media for helping raise public awareness of the programme and urged continued collaboration to support the country’s youth.
