Nyota programme: Sh5 billion Youth Fund now operational to boost enterprise
President William Ruto confirmed the programme’s launch on Friday after a high-level meeting with Principal Secretaries at State House, Nairobi.
Kenya’s long-awaited Sh5 billion National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (Nyota) programme has officially begun, promising to empower 100,000 young people with start-up capital, training, and mentorship.
The initiative, initially announced during International Youth Day celebrations in Kakamega County in August, faced delays but is now ready for nationwide rollout.
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President William Ruto confirmed the programme’s launch on Friday after a high-level meeting with Principal Secretaries at State House, Nairobi.
“We are investing in our youth, unlocking opportunities, and driving enterprise and innovation across Kenya. This programme has taken time to align properly, but it is now ready to go,” he said.
The Nyota fund, in partnership with the World Bank, will distribute Sh50,000 grants to 70 young people in each of the country’s 1,450 wards to help them start businesses.
Ahead of implementation, Principal Secretaries will travel to all 47 counties on October 6 to meet governors, MPs, MCAs, and local leaders to ensure proper understanding and smooth execution of the programme.
Ruto emphasised that involving leaders from national and county governments, as well as legislators, will ensure fairness and transparency.
“Every young person deserves a fair chance. By engaging leaders at every level, we are ensuring that this process is transparent and that no one is left behind,” he said.
The programme’s first phase targets 54,000 youth for start-up grants, followed by immediate skills training. Nyota also includes mentorship, access to business infrastructure, and guidance to help young entrepreneurs grow sustainable businesses and create jobs.
The President highlighted additional components, including training for 90,000 youth to gain job experience, recognition of prior learning for 20,000, and training 600,000 youth on Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO).
Beneficiaries will also be enrolled in the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) to save as they grow their businesses.
“We are not just creating jobs; we are building future employers and long-term wealth creators for our nation,” Ruto said.
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) PS Susan Mang’eni said Nyota is designed to improve youth employability, expand job opportunities, encourage a culture of savings, and enhance access to markets.
“We target to benefit young people in all wards. It is gender-inclusive, with emphasis on 50-50 gender parity,” she said.
The government said the Sh5 billion initiative is expected to boost grassroots economies, strengthen youth enterprise, and address rising unemployment. With the programme now fully operational, thousands of young Kenyans will gain financial support, skills, and mentorship to transform their livelihoods.
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