Youth entrepreneurs in Kirinyaga County have received a major lifeline after the government announced a waiver on business licenses and permits for NYOTA Fund beneficiaries, alongside confirmation that the second disbursement of funds will be released before the end of April.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, during a mentorship programme held in Kerugoya, where beneficiaries of the national youth empowerment initiative gathered for training and support.
Speaking during the event, Principal Secretary for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Susan Mang’eni praised Kirinyaga as one of the top-performing counties in the implementation of youth empowerment programmes.
She said the county has shown remarkable commitment, strong uptake, and accountability among young beneficiaries who have already received start-up capital through the NYOTA Fund.
“We have agreed with the counties government to ensure that NYOTA Fund beneficiaries are supported through waivers on licenses and permits. This will give them a conducive environment to grow their businesses,” said Mang’eni.
The PS emphasized that the NYOTA Fund is not only about financial support but also focuses on mentorship, incubation, and continuous business training to ensure youth-led enterprises become sustainable.
The mentorship session brought together young entrepreneurs who have already benefited from the fund, with the government reaffirming its commitment to offer long-term support through structured systems.
Mang’eni further revealed that the ministry is working closely with county governments to provide verified data on all trained beneficiaries to ensure seamless implementation of the programme and prevent exclusion.
She also announced that the second phase of classroom training will begin on the 15th of this month, targeting sector-specific skills aimed at strengthening businesses and improving competitiveness.
“The spirit and determination we have seen among the youth here is very encouraging. As a ministry, we are committed to supporting them at all levels to ensure their success,” she added.
To guarantee long-term sustainability, the PS highlighted the need for a legal framework that will protect youth empowerment programmes in the future.
She noted that the initiative is designed as an incubation process to help young entrepreneurs become self-reliant and stable over time.
“This is an incubation process. We are supporting youth to become self-reliant over time, ensuring their businesses take root and thrive in a structured and supportive environment,” she explained.
On funding, she assured beneficiaries that the second disbursement is currently being processed and will be announced before the end of the month.
The next phase, she said, will focus on market linkages and sector-based skills development to help youth businesses access wider markets and improve growth opportunities.
Mang’eni also assured participants that any challenges facing the programme will be addressed promptly to ensure smooth implementation.
The announcement is expected to bring relief to hundreds of youth entrepreneurs in Kirinyaga and beyond, many of whom have been waiting for the next phase of support to expand their businesses.
By David Wandeto
