By Erestinah Jane, July 10, 2026
President William Ruto has officially launched the second phase of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Programme’s Business Support Component, unlocking more than Sh3 billion to empower over 122,000 young entrepreneurs across the country.
Under the initiative, each beneficiary will receive Sh25,000 in seed capital to support the establishment or expansion of small businesses, reinforcing the government’s efforts to tackle youth unemployment and promote self-employment.
Speaking during the launch, President Ruto said the programme is designed to equip young people with the financial resources needed to transform business ideas into sustainable enterprises while contributing to economic growth.
“Today, we are launching the second phase of the NYOTA Business Support Programme, disbursing over Sh3 billion to more than 122,000 young entrepreneurs. This investment reflects our commitment to empowering the youth, creating opportunities for enterprise, and driving inclusive economic growth.”
The President noted that the NYOTA programme is a key pillar of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to improve livelihoods by supporting small businesses, enhancing financial inclusion, and creating employment opportunities for young Kenyans.
The latest disbursement follows the successful rollout of the programme’s initial phase, which targeted youth-led enterprises in different parts of the country. Beneficiaries are expected to use the grants to establish new businesses, expand existing ventures, purchase equipment, and increase their working capital.
Government officials said the programme goes beyond financial support by linking beneficiaries to entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and business development services aimed at improving the long-term success of youth-owned enterprises.
The initiative also seeks to strengthen local economies by encouraging innovation, increasing productivity, and enabling young entrepreneurs to create additional employment opportunities within their communities.
According to the government, NYOTA is expected to play a significant role in reducing youth unemployment by supporting thousands of young people to become self-reliant through entrepreneurship instead of depending solely on formal employment.
Officials noted that the programme complements other government youth empowerment initiatives by providing accessible financing and practical business support to young entrepreneurs across the country.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the NYOTA programme in the coming years to ensure that more young Kenyans benefit from business financing, skills development, and mentorship opportunities as part of the country’s broader economic transformation agenda.
