Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering young people and small enterprises, urging beneficiaries of the Nyota disbursement to seize the opportunity and build sustainable livelihoods.

Speaking during the Nyota disbursement ceremony at Kasarani Sports Centre, Sakaja assured beneficiaries that the County Government would walk with them as they take their first steps into entrepreneurship.

He announced that Nairobi County will waive business permit fees for new startups, a move aimed at easing the burden on young entrepreneurs and allowing them to focus on growing their ventures.

The Governor encouraged recipients not to dismiss modest beginnings, noting that even small capital can spark transformative change.

“Do not despise small beginnings. What you receive today can help you start a business, and that business can grow not only benefiting you, but also creating opportunities for others,” he said.

Reiterating the county’s support, Sakaja added, “As a county, we will stand with you as you start your businesses. We are waiving business permit fees for beginners so that nothing holds you back from turning your ideas into livelihoods.”

The event marked the Nairobi edition of the Nyota rollout and was attended by several leaders, including Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, underscoring inter-county support for youth empowerment initiatives.

The NYOTA Program (National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement) is a national government initiative supported by the World Bank.

It targets youth unemployment by enhancing skills development, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities.

The programme offers training, grants of up to KSh 50,000, apprenticeships with stipends, and promotes savings for up to 820,000 young people aged 18 to 29, with a focus on digital skills, creative industries, and business development.