President Ruto: 100,000 Youth to Receive KES 50,000 Business Capital Under NYOTA Project

President William Ruto has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to youth empowerment through the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, a transformative initiative targeting unemployment and promoting entrepreneurship.
Speaking during the International Youth Day celebrations on August 12, 2025, at Masinde Muliro University in Kakamega, the President highlighted that NYOTA aims to build long-term sustainability for young people nationwide.
The project, funded by the World Bank and implemented by the State Department for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy, targets:
Youth aged 18–29 years, and up to 35 years for persons with disabilities
Those with up to secondary-level education who are underemployed or face barriers to opportunities
Business Support Component
Over 1 million applications have been received
70 young entrepreneurs per ward (100,000 in total) will receive KES 50,000 each to start or grow businesses
The first cohort of 54,000 beneficiaries will begin receiving grants in September 2025
Additional NYOTA Initiatives
Apprenticeships to equip youth with technical and workplace skills
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to certify informally gained skills
On-Job Experience (OJE) selection completed; successful applicants notified via official NYOTA SMS
NYOTA is designed to strengthen employment systems, increase access to government funds, and expand procurement opportunities for Kenyan youth.