The government’s NYOTA programme officially rolled out across the country, marking a major milestone in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to tackle youth unemployment and promote entrepreneurship. The initiative aims to empower young people through start-up grants, mentorship, and skills development. Under the programme, successful applicants will receive Sh50,000 each to support or expand small businesses, enabling them to become self-reliant and economically active citizens.
In Meru County, the response has been overwhelming, with 19,722 youth turning up for the verification exercise. Data from verification teams show that 12,782 were male and 6,930 were female, drawn from all sub-counties including Igembe South, Buuri, South Imenti, and North Imenti. Area MP Rahim Dawood commended the youth for their strong participation and urged them to invest the grant responsibly. “The NYOTA programme is not just about giving out money. It is about empowering our youth to take charge of their future and contribute meaningfully to the country’s progress,” he said.
The verification in Meru was marked by long queues outside NG-CDF offices as hundreds of youth expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity. Dawood further emphasized that the programme targets youth aged 18 to 29 years with a KCSE certificate and below, ensuring inclusivity and fairness. He encouraged those who do not qualify for NYOTA to explore other empowerment initiatives such as the Uwezo Fund, which also supports youth entrepreneurship.
In Kirinyaga County, over 8,000 young people turned up for verification, demonstrating strong interest in the government’s youth empowerment drive. County officials lauded the turnout, noting that the programme aligns with Kenya’s broader vision to promote innovation and self-employment among young people. The exercise saw youths from Kutus, Mwea, and Kerugoya sub-counties register their details, eager to benefit from business training and mentorship opportunities.
Meanwhile, Nyandarua County is set to benefit 1,750 youths under the NYOTA programme. County leaders have welcomed the rollout, emphasizing that such initiatives are vital for rural economic transformation. The beneficiaries will undergo business and skills training before receiving their grants, equipping them with practical knowledge to successfully manage enterprises and create employment within their communities.
In Kajiado County, the validation exercise also recorded a high turnout, with 1,750 youth identified to benefit under the business support component. Nationwide, the programme targets 100,000 youth for entrepreneurial training and financial support. The process has brought together a whole-of-government approach involving Principal Secretaries, elected leaders, National Government Administration Officers, and NYOTA implementation teams to ensure transparency and accountability.
The NYOTA programme and complementary initiatives like Uwezo Fund reflect the government’s firm commitment to empowering young Kenyans and stimulating grassroots economic growth. By investing in youth enterprise, the state envisions a more innovative, self-reliant, and prosperous generation, capable of driving Kenya’s long-term socio-economic development and reducing dependency on formal employment opportunities.
