The government has announced the expansion of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme to 25 additional counties, marking a major step in empowering thousands of young entrepreneurs across the country.
State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development Principal Secretary (PS) Susan Mang’eni said the move follows the successful rollout of the project’s first phase in the Western cluster, covering Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, and Busia counties.
“Last Friday, we officially launched NYOTA and began the disbursement of business start-up capital to beneficiaries at Mumias Sports Complex in Kakamega; a total of 12,155 beneficiaries received over Sh303.8 million, each accessing Sh22,000 through Pochi La Biashara, with Sh3,000 set aside as mandatory savings,” she said.
The savings, she explained, are intended to build a culture of financial discipline among beneficiaries while serving as a buffer against economic shocks.
“It is a risk management and business securitisation mechanism that allows beneficiaries to use their savings as collateral when seeking further financing from mainstream institutions,” she said.
Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday, the PS noted that the five-year project aims to empower over 100,000 vulnerable youth in all 1,450 wards across the country, with each ward expected to have at least 70 beneficiaries.
Additionally, 5,000 refugees in Kakuma and Dadaab camps and another 5,000 host community members are set to benefit.
Mang’eni said preparations for refugee participation are ongoing, with validation and documentation being handled in coordination with relevant government agencies.
“The process is more protracted because we must work closely with departments dealing with refugee affairs to ensure proper accreditation,” she explained.
The PS announced that beginning November 14, 2025, the second phase of training will kick off simultaneously in 25 counties, including Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Turkana, Baringo, Laikipia, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Isiolo, Nakuru, Narok, Kajiado, Nandi, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, and Bomet.
“This phase will involve 63,231 beneficiaries trained in 222 centres across 151 constituencies for four days; each participant must attend at least three days to qualify for start-up capital. The training will take place in their respective constituencies, and those away from their mapped locations should make arrangements to attend,” she said.
The remaining 18 counties among them Nairobi, Kiambu, and Elgeyo Marakwet, will be covered in the next rollout once logistical and safety concerns are resolved.
“We had to delay the Elgeyo Marakwet rollout due to the recent landslide tragedy. We will return there once the situation stabilises,” said the PS.
Mang’eni said that after classroom sessions, beneficiaries will enter a two-month mentorship programme, followed by a three-day business linkage training and an additional two-month mentorship before receiving the second half of their funding.
The mentorship, she said, is designed to provide practical guidance during the most vulnerable stage of business development.
“We are seriously hand-holding these young entrepreneurs because we know the first year of business is the most challenging, through counselling, mentorship and market linkage support, we want to give them the best possible start,” she remarked.
The PS underscored the government’s commitment to creating a supportive business ecosystem through collaboration with business development experts.
“We competitively recruited professional business development firms across Kenya to offer this training and mentorship. Each cluster has six to eight firms that understand local business environments and have the capacity to nurture these enterprises,” she explained.
Addressing concerns about misuse of funds, Mang’eni assured that the Pochi La Biashara digital platform allows real-time tracking of transactions to ensure accountability.
“We have built strong safeguards. The accounts are protected from digital loan deductions like Fuliza, and we have blacklisted betting pay bills, even if one tries to misuse the funds, we can trace how the money is spent,” she said
Beneficiaries will only qualify for the second disbursement after demonstrating proper utilisation of the first tranche.
“You must earn it. Trainers and mentors will monitor progress and report back to us before the next release,” she said, adding that the platform also includes financial literacy tools to help beneficiaries manage their businesses effectively.
The PS reiterated that NYOTA is more than a funding initiative; it is a comprehensive empowerment journey designed to build sustainable entrepreneurship.
“Sometimes what people need most is not capital, but guidance and exposure to opportunities and markets. we’re building an ecosystem that connects young people to wider networks, information, and support,” she said
She expressed gratitude to the media for helping raise public awareness of the programme.
“You are our strategic partners in informing the public. This process is purely digital, and your support helps us reach even the most remote areas,” she said.
Mang’eni also urged for continued collaboration to support the country’s youth.
“Starting a business is not easy, and sustaining it is even harder. But if we join hands in guiding, mentoring, and giving the right information, our young people will succeed,” said the PS.
By Darlene Kuria and Naif Rashid
