NYOTA Project Begins Second Phase of Business Capital Disbursement in 27 Counties
Beneficiaries of the NYOTA Project attend a business skills training session ahead of receiving their start-up capital. The second phase of disbursements begins on 8th January 2026 across 27 counties.
The NYOTA Project, a flagship youth economic empowerment initiative under the State Department for MSMEs Development, has started the second phase of its business start-up capital disbursement targeting 27 counties across Kenya. The rollout follows the successful nationwide completion of business skills training and the first tranche of cash transfers to vulnerable youth in the Western Region in November 2025.
The Business Support Component of the NYOTA Project is expected to empower over 100,000 vulnerable youth across all 1,450 wards in Kenya, with a minimum of 70 beneficiaries per ward receiving capital injections to start and grow small businesses. The nationwide classroom training designed to build business skills and prepare beneficiaries for capital deployment has been completed. Attendance at all sessions was mandatory for beneficiaries to qualify for the start-up capital.
The first major disbursement took place on 7th November 2025, covering the Western Cluster, which includes the counties of Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, and Bungoma. A total of 12,155 beneficiaries each received Kshs. 25,000, of which Kshs. 3,000 was allocated to savings, bringing the total amount disbursed to Kshs. 303,875,000.
The second phase of disbursement will run from Thursday, 8th January 2026, to Friday, 16th January 2026, and targets beneficiaries who completed the three-day business skills training. The counties covered are Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Trans-Nzoia, Turkana, West Pokot, Nakuru, Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Baringo, Laikipia, Isiolo, Samburu, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kajiado.
Close to 50,000 beneficiaries will each receive Kshs. 22,000 deposited directly into their NYOTA Pochi la Biashara wallet, which is designated for the business start-up grant. An additional Kshs. 3,000 will be credited into their Haba na Haba account under the National Social Security Fund to promote a savings culture among the youth.
The disbursement and mentorship events will be officially graced by His Excellency Dr William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to youth economic inclusion and MSME development.
The schedule for the events is as follows. On 8th January, Eldoret will host beneficiaries from Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Trans-Nzoia, Turkana, and West Pokot. On 9th January, Nakuru will host beneficiaries from Nakuru, Narok, Bomet, Kericho, and Baringo. On 12th January, Nanyuki will host Laikipia, Isiolo, and Samburu counties, while Nyeri will host Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, and Nyandarua counties. On 14th January, Meru will host Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Embu counties. On 15th January, Machakos will host Machakos, Kitui, and Makueni counties. On 16th January, Nairobi will host Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kajiado counties.
In addition to cash disbursement, beneficiaries will participate in a two-month mentorship program delivered by business development experts and local entrepreneurs. The mentorship program aims to guide new entrepreneurs through the early stages of business formation, strengthen market entry strategies, and enhance financial discipline.
The mentorship component complements the foundational business training already completed and is locally anchored to ensure relevance to county and ward economic ecosystems. Beneficiaries will also undertake a second phase of business development support training, preparing them for the second tranche of the business grant.
The NYOTA Project has emphasized that beneficiaries are expected to fully utilize the business grant in accordance with the business plans developed during the classroom training. Business development experts will provide monitoring and ongoing support to increase the likelihood of sustainable enterprise growth.
Principal Secretary of the State Department for MSMEs Development, Susan Mang’eni, CBS, urged beneficiaries to commit to disciplined use of the funds. She said the project is designed not only to provide capital but also to build capacities, instill business discipline, and enhance access to markets. She added that further disbursement dates for the remaining 16 counties, including Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River, Mombasa, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Nyamira, Kisii, Marsabit, Garissa, Mandera, and Wajir, will be announced in due course.
The NYOTA Project demonstrates the Government’s continued focus on supporting youth and vulnerable populations through targeted skills training, access to capital, and mentorship programming.
