NYOTA Project Transforms Kakamega County Youth into Future Business Leaders

Kakamega County recently hosted a landmark event as the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project launched its first Business Support cohort in Western Kenya. Held at Mumias Sports Complex, the ceremony was graced by President William Ruto alongside national and county leaders, as well as representatives from the World Bank. Over 13,000 young beneficiaries from Kakamega, Bungoma, Vihiga, and Busia counties received KSh. 25,000 each in startup grants following a four-day Business Development Services training. A second tranche will follow mentorship and enterprise evaluation, bringing the total support per youth to KSh. 50,000.
The NYOTA Project, financed by the World Bank and coordinated by Kenya’s State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, is designed to enhance youth employability and enterprise development. It targets unemployed youth aged 18–29, including persons with disabilities and marginalized groups, and emphasizes skills certification, financial support, and youth savings. Key interventions include structured apprenticeships, recognition of informal skills through certification, and digital training on government procurement and funding platforms. The initiative seeks to equip young people with the tools to start sustainable small-scale enterprises while promoting inclusive economic growth.
Leaders and development partners praised the program’s potential to transform youth livelihoods. County governors announced a two-year waiver on business licenses for beneficiaries and pledged additional support, including access to Biashara Funds and government tenders. World Bank officials highlighted the project as a solution to youth unemployment, while President Ruto stressed the importance of timely disbursement and responsible use of funds. Beneficiaries expressed optimism, seeing the grants as a springboard to business ownership and local economic contribution.
Looking forward, the NYOTA Project plans to expand nationwide, targeting 100,000 young entrepreneurs and strengthening employment systems through mentorship, financial literacy, and digital skills development. By linking entrepreneurship with policy reform and social protection, the initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of innovative and economically empowered Kenyan youth ready to drive inclusive growth.