The Government has commenced the second phase of disbursement of business start-up capital under the NYOTA Project, targeting close to 50,000 youth beneficiaries across 27 counties between January 8 and January 16, 2026.
The rollout follows the successful completion of nationwide classroom training under the project’s Business Support Component, which aims to empower over 100,000 vulnerable youth across all 1,450 wards in the country, with a minimum of 70 beneficiaries per ward.
Principal Secretary (PS) for MSME Development Susan Mang’eni said the programme was progressing as planned and was already delivering tangible impact.
“The NYOTA Project Business Support component is on track to empower vulnerable youth through skills training, access to capital and mentorship, enabling them to establish and grow sustainable enterprises,” said Mang’eni.
She noted that the first disbursement was undertaken on November 7, 2025, covering the Western Cluster of Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia and Bungoma counties, where 12,155 beneficiaries received Sh25,000 each.
Of this amount, Sh3,000 was directed to savings, bringing the total disbursement to Sh303.9 million.
Under the second phase, each beneficiary will receive Sh22,000 deposited into their NYOTA Pochi la Biashara wallet, while an additional Sh3,000 will be remitted to their Haba na Haba account under the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
Mang’eni explained that the ongoing disbursement targets beneficiaries who successfully completed the mandatory three-day business skills training.
The counties covered include Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Trans-Nzoia, Turkana, West Pokot, Nakuru, Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Baringo, Laikipia, Isiolo, Samburu, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Nairobi, Kiambu and Kajiado.
The disbursement and mentorship events will be presided over by President William Ruto in Eldoret, Nakuru, Nanyuki, Nyeri, Meru, Machakos and Nairobi on scheduled dates within the rollout period.
Beyond financing, the Principal Secretary said all beneficiaries would undergo a two-month mentorship programme delivered by business development experts and local entrepreneurs to support their entry into local markets.
“Beneficiaries will also undertake a second phase of business development support training to prepare them for the second tranche of the business grant,” Mang’eni said, adding that participants are expected to utilise the funds strictly in line with their approved business plans.
She further announced that the schedule for Phase Three disbursement covering 16 counties among them Kilifi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Garissa and Mandera, will be communicated in due course.
The NYOTA Project is a flagship government initiative aimed at addressing youth unemployment through skills development, enterprise financing and structured mentorship.
By Naif Rashid
