Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has waived business permits for NYOTA-supported youth start-ups in the county; a move aimed at removing barriers that often hinder young entrepreneurs during the early stages of their ventures.
Speaking in Kerugoya on Wednesday, Governor Waiguru reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, noting that Kirinyaga County is aligning with the national agenda to transform young people into job creators rather than jobseekers.
The NYOTA program, which celebrates youth talent, resilience and innovation, empowers 1,265 young people from the county by providing critical skills, exposure and confidence to pursue entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.
Governor Waiguru emphasized that county policies have been deliberately aligned to support initiatives like NYOTA, explaining that waiving business permits allows young entrepreneurs to focus on business growth and innovation without the burden of regulatory costs.
“As the County Government of Kirinyaga, we are fully committed to supporting this program. We have waived licenses for our youth so they can start and grow their businesses without unnecessary obstacles,” she said.
The Governor further revealed that the county has allocated Sh60 million to complement the NYOTA initiative, targeting young people who applied but were not absorbed into the national program.
“With over two million applicants nationally, it is clear that demand for youth empowerment far exceeds available slots. That is why we have set aside county resources to ensure viable business ideas are not left behind,” Waiguru stated.
Beyond financing, the county government will roll out targeted capacity-building programs to equip youth with entrepreneurial, financial and technical skills needed to succeed in business and tackle unemployment.
To promote equality of opportunity, Waiguru disclosed that Kirinyaga County has proposed amendments to the County Empowerment and Development Fund, converting it from a loan-based facility to a grant-based fund following public participation. The regulations have been tabled before the County Assembly for approval, a move expected to unlock the Sh60 million budgeted for youth empowerment programs.
By Mutai Kipng’etich
