Kirinyaga: Youth entrepreneurs in Kirinyaga County have received a major lifeline after the government announced a waiver on business licenses and permits for NYOTA Fund beneficiaries, alongside confirmation that the second disbursement of funds will be released before the end of April. The announcement was made during a mentorship programme held in Kerugoya, where beneficiaries of the national youth empowerment initiative gathered for training and support.
According to Kenya News Agency, Principal Secretary for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Susan Mang’eni praised Kirinyaga as one of the top-performing counties in the implementation of youth empowerment programmes. She highlighted the county’s commitment, strong uptake, and accountability among young beneficiaries who have already received start-up capital through the NYOTA Fund.
Mang’eni announced that agreements have been made with county governments to ensure NYOTA Fund beneficiaries are supported through waivers on licenses and permits, creating a conducive environment for business growth. She emphasized that the NYOTA Fund is not only about financial support but also focuses on mentorship, incubation, and continuous business training to ensure youth-led enterprises become sustainable.
The mentorship session brought together young entrepreneurs who have already benefited from the fund, with the government reaffirming its commitment to offering long-term support through structured systems. Mang’eni revealed that the ministry is working closely with county governments to provide verified data on all trained beneficiaries to ensure seamless implementation and prevent exclusion.
She also announced that the second phase of classroom training will begin on the 15th of this month, targeting sector-specific skills aimed at strengthening businesses and improving competitiveness. Mang’eni expressed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the youth at all levels to ensure their success and highlighted the need for a legal framework to protect future youth empowerment programmes.
The PS assured beneficiaries that the second disbursement is currently being processed and will be announced before the end of the month. The next phase will focus on market linkages and sector-based skills development to help youth businesses access wider markets and improve growth opportunities. Any challenges facing the programme will be addressed promptly to ensure smooth implementation.
This announcement is expected to bring relief to hundreds of youth entrepreneurs in Kirinyaga and beyond, many of whom have been waiting for the next phase of support to expand their businesses.
