Ruto Announces NYOTA Verification and Disbursement Dates for Ksh 50,000 to 100,000 Youths Nationwide

President William Ruto has confirmed new dates for the verification and disbursement phases of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) program.
The announcement comes after the earlier schedule, set for October 17, was postponed following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and a seven-day national mourning period.
Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, Ruto explained that the World Bank-funded initiative aims to provide 100,000 youths with Ksh 50,000 each to support their entrepreneurial projects nationwide.
Verification Exercise on October 24
Ruto stated that the nationwide verification of youth across 290 constituencies will take place on Friday, October 24, to identify beneficiaries.
We are looking for 100,000 youth who will each be awarded Ksh 50,000 to enhance their businesses. On October 24, every constituency will verify youth who have businesses to receive the funding, he said.
Disbursement Starting November 4
Following the verification, the disbursement of funds will begin on November 4. The program’s goal is to ensure that identified youth receive support promptly to grow their enterprises.
Earlier, President Ruto directed all Principal Secretaries to lead grassroots engagement for smooth rollout of the program. PSs were dispatched across the 47 counties from October 6 to meet governors, MPs, MCAs, and chiefs to sensitize leaders and youths.
By involving leaders from the Executive, Legislature, and county governments, the process will be transparent and inclusive, ensuring every young person has a fair chance to benefit, Ruto added.
Program Overview
NYOTA aims to empower 800,000 vulnerable youths aged 18–29 nationwide. The program targets:
Establishing 110,000 youth-led enterprises
Certifying 20,000 artisans through the Recognition of Prior Learning initiative
Connecting 90,000 youths to employment
Training 600,000 on financial literacy and government procurement
Through Component 2, the State Department for MSME Development and the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) will provide entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and phased start-up capital to 70 youths in every ward. After classroom training, beneficiaries receive two months of mentorship, incubation support, and guided seed funding.
The government also reopened applications for Phase Two of NYOTA from October 6–12.