The government will this week roll out the final phase of the Nyota Project’s Business Support (BDS) classroom training targeting 17 counties across Central Kenya, Nairobi, North Eastern and the Coast region.
The training, scheduled from Wednesday, November 26 to Saturday, November 29, will be conducted in constituency headquarters in Garissa, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kwale, Lamu, Mandera, Marsabit, Mombasa, Murang’a, Nairobi City, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Samburu, Taita Taveta, Tana River and Wajir.
According to the State Department for MSMEs Development, the latest rollout raises the number of counties that have so far undergone the business support training to 46.
Principal Secretary for MSMEs Development Susan Mang’eni said all training centres in the participating constituencies had been fully prepared to host the final cohort, adding that the phase marks a significant milestone in the national youth empowerment programme.
“All constituency training centres are ready for the BDS sessions scheduled to run from 26th to 29th November. This brings the number of counties covered so far to 46 as we move closer to completing nationwide training,” PS Mang’eni said.
She noted that training in Elgeyo Marakwet, which was affected by recent landslides, will be conducted at a later date once logistical arrangements are finalised.
A total of 42,735 trainees have been invited for the upcoming sessions across 510 wards, consistent with the programme requirement of 70 trainees per ward.
Beneficiaries have been contacted individually and are required to attend at least three out of the four training days to qualify for the disbursement of business start-up grants.
“The selected beneficiaries were contacted directly and are expected to attend a minimum of three training days in their respective constituencies to be eligible for the grant support,” the PS said.
The disbursement of start-up capital will begin immediately after the successful completion of the classroom sessions.
Last week, similar training was conducted across 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.
These sessions brought together beneficiaries from 151 constituencies and 754 wards.
The Nyota Project’s Business Support Component seeks to empower over 100,000 vulnerable youth across all 1,450 wards in Kenya, with each ward expected to host at least 70 beneficiaries.
Beyond classroom training, all participants will undergo a two-month mentorship programme facilitated by business development experts and local entrepreneurs to support their entry into the local business ecosystem.
PS Mang’eni said the initiative is designed to strengthen entrepreneurship capacity among young people, enabling them to develop sustainable ventures and access economic opportunities within their communities.
“All beneficiaries will benefit from two months of mentorship by experienced business development experts and entrepreneurs to help them integrate into local business ecosystems,” she added.
The Nyota Project is one of the government’s flagship programmes aimed at supporting MSME growth and creating pathways for youth self-employment through training, access to capital and continued business development support.
By Naif Rashid
