The Kenyan government has clarified that the KES 5 billion Nyota Programme being rolled out in partnership with the World Bank is a grant, not a loan. The initiative aims to empower jobless and vulnerable youth with skills and seed capital to start small enterprises and achieve economic independence.
Speaking in Kitui during a stakeholder engagement forum, Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs Jonathan Mueke emphasized that the programme targets young people who have completed secondary school but remain unemployed.
“The Nyota Programme is not a loan. It’s a grant meant to empower young people to start income-generating activities,” said Mueke. “Each beneficiary will receive KES 50,000 as startup capital after undergoing short training in trades such as carpentry, tailoring, welding, and other crafts.”
The programme — officially known as the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project — seeks to benefit 100,000 youths across the country. According to the Ministry of Youth Affairs, 70 beneficiaries per ward will be selected from Kenya’s 1,450 wards, and given KES 50,000 each ensuring equitable coverage and inclusivity.
KSh 5 Billion Investment for a Youth-Led Future
President William Ruto announced that the government had secured KSh 5 billion for the rollout of the NYOTA Programme, describing it as a cornerstone of his administration’s agenda to tackle youth unemployment and spur grassroots entrepreneurship.
“We have raised five billion shillings to give one hundred thousand young people in Kenya to scale up their businesses through the Nyota Programme,” said President Ruto, following a meeting with officials from the Ministries of MSMEs, Sports, and Youth to review progress on the project.
The funds will be disbursed to beneficiaries after completing certified training sessions that will equip them with practical, market-ready skills.
A Path to Self-Reliance
The government hopes that the programme will help transform Kenya’s youth from job seekers to job creators. Beneficiaries will be encouraged to form cooperatives and community-based enterprises to expand their ventures and access mentorship and market linkages.
Officials say the initiative’s long-term goal is to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and self-reliance — key drivers in achieving Kenya’s broader economic recovery plan.
How to Apply
The Ministry of Youth Affairs announced that interested youth can apply through designated channels — including a mobile short code to be announced soon — after which they will be shortlisted for training and funding.
The government has pledged transparency in the selection process to ensure that the grants reach the most deserving young people, particularly those from marginalized and rural communities.
Partnership with the World Bank
The World Bank is co-financing the NYOTA initiative as part of its ongoing support for Kenya’s youth empowerment and livelihoods programmes. The partnership aims to strengthen local economic ecosystems and provide sustainable pathways for young entrepreneurs.
As the first phase of the programme rolls out, thousands of Kenyan youths are expected to gain the tools, skills, and capital they need to begin earning a living — and, in the process, reshape the country’s employment landscape.
Leave a Reply