More than 7,000 youths from Murang’a, Nyeri and Kirinyaga counties have received business startup funding being the second phase of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Programme, a government initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment through entrepreneurship.
A total of 7,055 beneficiaries 2,988 from Murang’a, 1,828 from Kirinyaga and 2,239 from Nyeri received financial support during a disbursement ceremony held at Ihura Stadium in Murang’a County
Speaking during the event, Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome said Murang’a County had been allocated Sh74.7 million under the second disbursement exercise, with 2,278 continuing beneficiaries receiving their second tranche while 710 new beneficiaries received their first disbursement.
She urged young people to make good use of the funds by investing in businesses that would improve their livelihoods and create employment opportunities, while steering clear of alcoholism, drug abuse, hooliganism and illegal demonstrations.
“I urge our young people to use this money to start and grow businesses that will transform their lives. Shun alcoholism, drug abuse, hooliganism and illegal demonstrations, and instead focus on building a better future for themselves and their communities,” said Wahome.
Kirinyaga County received Sh.45.7 million, with 1,267 continuing beneficiaries receiving their second tranche and 562 new beneficiaries receiving their first disbursement.
Nyeri County received Sh.55.9 million, benefiting 1,705 continuing beneficiaries with second-tranche payments and 623 new beneficiaries receiving their first disbursement.
“The three counties have collectively received .Sh. 176.3 million under the programme,” remarked Wahome.
Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui called on county governments to waive business levies for young entrepreneurs to enable them to establish and grow their enterprises.
He also encouraged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the business training and mentorship offered under the programme.
“Governors should support these young entrepreneurs by waiving business levies, while the beneficiaries should make full use of the training provided so they can invest wisely and build sustainable businesses,” he said.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru who graced the occasion announced that every beneficiary from her county would receive an additional Sh.10, 000 from the county government and that business revenue charges would be waived to support their enterprises.
Waiguru announced that beneficiaries from Kirinyaga who received their final Sh. 25,000 installment will each receive an extra Sh.10,000 from the county government, raising their total capital from Sh.50,000 to Sh.60,000.
Beyond the cash top-up, Waiguru announced that all NYOTA beneficiaries from Kirinyaga will be exempted from paying county business permit fees, giving the young entrepreneurs a head start as they establish their enterprises.
“We have directed that all NYOTA beneficiaries from Kirinyaga will not pay for business permits. In addition, those receiving their second tranche today will each get an extra Sh.10, 000 from the County Government. We shall obtain the list of beneficiaries from the National Government to facilitate the top-up,” she added.
She further revealed that her administration has set aside Sh. 90 million under its empowerment programme to support more youth and women to venture into various enterprises, noting that the county remains committed to expanding economic opportunities for young people.
Waiguru hailed the NYOTA programme as a transformative initiative whose impact is already being felt across the country.
“This is a brilliant programme by President William Ruto, and its fruits can already be seen. I encourage our young people to embrace humble beginnings and use this support as a springboard to prosperity. One day you will look back and realize how far you have come because you worked hard and remained focused,” she said.
The Governor reminded the youth that the Mt. Kenya region has historically earned national respect for its entrepreneurial culture, urging beneficiaries to revive that legacy through hard work and enterprise.
“We will top up each beneficiary with Sh10,000 and waive county business levies because NYOTA is not only empowering these young people but will also create jobs for many others as their businesses grow,” said Waiguru.
Nationally, the programme will benefit 122,203 youth, with the Government set to disburse Sh3.05 billion. Each beneficiary will receive Sh. 25,000, including Sh3, 000 earmarked for savings.
The NYOTA Programme targets young people aged 18 to 29 years and up to 35 years for persons with disabilities, with the aim of promoting self-employment through business training, mentorship and startup capital and market access.
By Bernard Munyao and Tecla Lepojos
