President William Ruto on Monday, January 12, 2026 presided over the official launch of the NYOTA Project Business Start-Up Capital disbursement for Nyeri, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga, and Murang’a counties, disbursing a total of Ksh.173,200,000 during a ceremony held at the ASK Grounds, Nyeri County.

In this first phase, 6,982 successful applicants will receive Ksh. 25,000 each in start-up support. Ksh. 22,000 will be credited to Pochi La Biashara to support business operations, while Ksh. 3,000 will be channeled into beneficiaries’ Haba Na Haba savings accounts under NSSF.

Speaking at the launch, President Ruto emphasized that the NYOTA Project has been designed with the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and inclusivity, ensuring that all young people across Kenya have an equal opportunity to apply and participate. 

Registration and application for the program are conducted through a fully digital and accessible process via *254#. 

The President reiterated the government’s commitment to see investments in education translate into meaningful economic growth through 5 key interventions: the Affordable Housing Program, the Labour Export Program, the Digital Economy initiative targeting one million young people, expanded government employment and internship opportunities, and support for young entrepreneurs through the NYOTA Program, which is projected to impact over 800,000 youth nationwide.

At the same time, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said, “The combination of business start-up capital, entrepreneurship skills, and a strong savings culture provides a solid foundation for resilient families and a robust economy.”  

Kindiki encouraged the youth to view NYOTA funding as a first step toward transforming their lives and building sustainable enterprises.

Salim Mvurya, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports of Kenya, commended President Ruto for the design of the NYOTA Project, noting that it guarantees equitable access and participation for youth across all 1,450 wards in Kenya, ensuring no region or community is left behind.

Susan Mangéni, Principal Secretary, State Department for MSME Development, emphasized the importance of the MSME sector as the leading source of jobs for youth in Kenya, urging the beneficiaries to invest the grant fully in the business in order to create jobs for fellow youth.

Meanwhile, County Governors present from Nyeri, Murang’a, and Nyandarua counties pledged enhanced county-level support for NYOTA beneficiaries. 

This includes licence fee waivers, provision of business spaces within county-operated markets, access to business development services, improved market linkages, and the introduction of award programmes to recognise outstanding NYOTA entrepreneurs.