Over 8,000 Youth Receive KSh220.5 Million NYOTA Start Up Grants in Kisumu Kisumu, February 2, 2026
President William Ruto addresses youth beneficiaries during the NYOTA Start Up Capital Grants disbursement ceremony at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu County on February 2, 2026.
More than 8,000 young entrepreneurs from Kisumu, Siaya and Homa Bay counties have received KSh220.5 million in business start up capital under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement project. The grants were disbursed during a ceremony held at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu County and presided over by President William Ruto.
A total of 8,820 youth drawn from 105 wards across the three counties benefited from the first phase of the NYOTA Start Up Capital Grants. Siaya County accounted for 30 wards, Kisumu 35 wards and Homa Bay 40 wards. The beneficiaries had successfully completed a mandatory four day business skills training programme designed to equip them with practical knowledge on starting, managing and growing sustainable enterprises.
Under the first phase of the programme, each beneficiary is receiving KSh25,000. Out of this amount, KSh22,000 is being credited directly to the Pochi la Biashara account to support immediate business operations, while KSh3,000 is being deposited into a Haba na Haba savings account managed by the National Social Security Fund. In the second phase, beneficiaries will receive an additional KSh25,000, bringing the total start up capital support to KSh50,000 per youth.
Speaking during the event, President Ruto described the youth as Kenya’s most valuable resource and said their empowerment remains central to the government’s development agenda. He noted that investing in young people through skills training and access to capital is key to unlocking economic growth at the grassroots level.
The President urged the beneficiaries to apply the skills gained during the training programme alongside the start up capital to build successful and sustainable businesses. He further encouraged the youth to register for the ongoing On the Job Experience component of the NYOTA Project through the *254# portal before the deadline of February 13, 2026.
Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki said the NYOTA Project is a legacy initiative aimed at transforming the livelihoods of young people across the country. He stated that the project is expected to directly impact more than 820,000 youth in all wards nationwide. According to the Deputy President, the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda and the Pesa Mfukoni initiative reflect the government’s deliberate commitment to inclusive and equitable youth empowerment.
The Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Dr Wycliffe Oparanya, praised the whole of government approach that has driven the success of the NYOTA Project. He said coordinated efforts among government institutions have ensured that youth receive not only funding but also the necessary skills and support to thrive in business.
Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya highlighted the comprehensive nature of the NYOTA Project. He explained that the programme is anchored on three key pillars, namely business support, recognition of prior learning and on the job experience. According to the Cabinet Secretary, this holistic design ensures that young people are empowered both financially and professionally.
The Chairperson of the National Assembly’s Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Committee and Ikolomani Member of Parliament, Bernard Shinali, called on county governments to complement national government initiatives aimed at youth economic empowerment. He noted that collaboration between national and county governments is essential in creating an enabling environment for young entrepreneurs to succeed.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga echoed these sentiments and assured NYOTA beneficiaries from her county of continued support. She announced that the county government would provide a waiver on business licence fees for the beneficiaries and support them with Social Health Authority subscriptions to ensure they are protected as they grow their enterprises.
Principal Secretary in the State Department for MSMEs Development, Susan Mangeni, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting NYOTA beneficiaries beyond the initial funding. She said the State Department will continue to provide mentorship, guidance and linkages to local business ecosystems to enhance the growth and sustainability of youth led enterprises.
The NYOTA Project aims to address youth unemployment by equipping young people with practical skills, providing start up capital and creating pathways for work experience. The Kisumu event marked a significant milestone in the rollout of the programme in the Lake Region and underscored the government’s focus on empowering youth as drivers of economic transformation.
The State Department for MSMEs Development said similar disbursement exercises will continue across the country as the government scales up implementation of the NYOTA Project to reach more young people nationwide.
