By Mandere Onyinkwa
The Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development has reported substantial advancements in the nationwide NYOTA Project business mentorship initiative.
Spanning all 1,450 wards across Kenya, the program has successfully served 94% of the 121,800 young beneficiaries who initially received startup capital disbursements.
According to Ministry officials, the mentorship component has played a crucial role in assisting young entrepreneurs through field visits, business forums, peer connections, and knowledge exchange gatherings.
“The mentorship initiative has identified that 65% of the participants are entering entrepreneurship for the first time,” the announcement highlighted, demonstrating the project’s significance in fostering new business capabilities.
A balanced gender representation has been noted, with 51% of the mentored individuals being women and 49% men.
Agriculture, livestock, forestry, and fisheries value chains represent the most selected sectors, comprising 41% of established businesses, with wholesale and retail following at 26%.
The mentorship completion timeframe, previously scheduled for 31st March, has now been pushed back to 8th April 2026 to incorporate the remaining 6% of participants.
“Participants yet to connect with their mentors should reach out to their respective constituency NYOTA Project coordinators without delay,” the Ministry urged.
The initiative will progress into its second phase, which entails mandatory business skills classroom instruction beginning on 15th April. Subsequently, beneficiaries will access their second startup capital installmentKsh. 25,000, including Ksh. 3,000 under the Haba Haba savings plan. This will elevate the total assistance to Ksh. 50,000 per individual.
Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni underscored the wider implications of the undertaking: “The Nyota project has likewise created economic participation channels for tertiary-educated youth. More than 3,600 trainers and 5,500 mentors have been recruited to assist the NYOTA entrepreneurs.”