Nairobi Set to Host Over 10,000 NYOTA Beneficiaries at Kasarani
Hon. Susan Mangeni, Principal Secretary, State Department for MSMEs Development, inspects Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Sunday ahead of the NYOTA Project Business Start-up Capital Disbursement for beneficiaries from Nairobi, Kiambu and Kajiado counties.
Nairobi is set to host more than 10,000 beneficiaries of the NYOTA Project on Monday, 19th January 2026, during a major business start-up capital disbursement exercise at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. The event will bring together beneficiaries drawn from Nairobi, Kiambu and Kajiado counties and will be presided over by President H.E. Dr William Ruto.
Ahead of the event, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development, Hon. Susan Mangeni, on Sunday evening toured the Kasarani venue to confirm its preparedness for the large-scale exercise. The visit was aimed at assessing logistical arrangements, security readiness and overall coordination to ensure the smooth running of the disbursement programme.
During the tour, the Principal Secretary confirmed that all preparations for the event had been finalised and that the venue was fully ready to host the beneficiaries. She noted that the NYOTA Project remains a key government intervention aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs and small business owners through access to start-up capital and essential business skills.
Hon. Mangeni further confirmed that all beneficiaries expected to attend the Kasarani event had already completed the mandatory business skills training, which is a requirement under the NYOTA Project. According to the State Department, the training equips beneficiaries with practical knowledge on entrepreneurship, financial management and sustainable business practices, ensuring that the funds disbursed are effectively utilised.
She added that all eligible beneficiaries had been contacted and notified of the event, and were ready to converge at Moi Sports Centre for the capital disbursement. The Principal Secretary emphasised that the government remains committed to transparency and accountability throughout the implementation of the NYOTA Project.
The NYOTA Project Business Start-up Capital Disbursement for Nairobi, Kiambu and Kajiado counties forms part of the government’s broader agenda to support MSMEs as drivers of economic growth, job creation and youth empowerment. The project specifically targets individuals who have demonstrated readiness to start or grow their businesses after completing the required training.
Also present during the venue inspection was the Nairobi North Region County Commissioner, Mr Simon Osumba, who confirmed that comprehensive security and coordination measures had been put in place ahead of the event. He stated that the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) had been fully mobilised to ensure the safe movement of beneficiaries to and from the venue.
Mr Osumba noted that the involvement of NGAO officers was critical given the large number of attendees expected at Kasarani. He assured beneficiaries and members of the public that adequate arrangements had been made to maintain order, manage crowds and facilitate a smooth flow of activities throughout the day.
The County Commissioner further emphasised the importance of cooperation between beneficiaries, security agencies and event organisers to ensure the success of the exercise. He encouraged beneficiaries to adhere to the guidance provided by officials on the ground.
The Kasarani event is expected to attract significant national attention, with live coverage scheduled across mainstream television stations. The live broadcast will allow Kenyans across the country to follow the proceedings and witness the government’s ongoing efforts to support MSMEs and youth-led enterprises.
The presence of President H.E. Dr William Ruto at the event underscores the importance the government places on the NYOTA Project and the MSME sector as a whole. The President is expected to oversee the disbursement exercise and reaffirm the administration’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening the grassroots economy.
The State Department for MSMEs Development has reiterated its call for beneficiaries to attend the event as scheduled and to comply with all instructions issued by officials to ensure an orderly process. The department has also encouraged the media to provide accurate and timely coverage of the event.
