Murang’a: Over 7,000 young people from the counties of Murang’a, Nyeri, and Kirinyaga have received funding for business startups as part of the second phase of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Programme, a government initiative designed to address youth unemployment through entrepreneurship.
According to Kenya News Agency, the disbursement ceremony, which took place at Ihura Stadium in Murang’a County, saw a total of 7,055 beneficiaries receiving financial support. The breakdown includes 2,988 youths from Murang’a, 1,828 from Kirinyaga, and 2,239 from Nyeri. Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome announced that Murang’a County was allocated Sh74.7 million, with 2,278 continuing beneficiaries receiving their second tranche of funding, while 710 new beneficiaries received their first disbursement.
Wahome urged the youth to utilize the funds to invest in businesses that would enhance their livelihoods and create employment opportunities, while avoiding negative influences such as alcoholism, drug abuse, hooliganism, and illegal demonstrations. She emphasized the importance of focusing on a better future for themselves and their communities.
Kirinyaga County was allocated Sh.45.7 million, benefiting 1,267 continuing recipients with their second tranche and 562 new recipients with their first disbursement. Meanwhile, Nyeri County received Sh.55.9 million, aiding 1,705 continuing beneficiaries and 623 new ones.
Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui encouraged county governments to waive business levies for young entrepreneurs to support their business endeavors. He also highlighted the significance of business training and mentorship offered under the programme.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru announced additional support for beneficiaries from her county, including an extra Sh.10,000 from the county government and waived business permit fees. Waiguru also shared that her administration has allocated Sh. 90 million to support more youth and women in starting various enterprises.
Waiguru praised the NYOTA programme as a transformative initiative with visible impacts nationwide. She encouraged youth to embrace entrepreneurship, noting that the Mt. Kenya region has a legacy of entrepreneurial success.
Nationally, the NYOTA Programme aims to benefit 122,203 youth, with the government planning to disburse Sh3.05 billion. Each beneficiary will receive Sh. 25,000, with Sh3,000 designated for savings. The programme targets young individuals aged 18 to 29, extending to 35 for persons with disabilities, and aims to promote self-employment through business training, mentorship, and access to startup capital and markets.
