More than 122,000 young entrepreneurs are set to receive government-backed business grants as Kenya rolls out the second phase of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Programme, in a renewed push to tackle youth unemployment and support small businesses.
The second phase, which begins this week, will see Ksh3.06 billion disbursed to 122,203 beneficiaries. The allocation marks an increase from the Ksh2.28 billion distributed during the programme’s first phase, which reached 121,800 young entrepreneurs.
The expansion comes after overwhelming demand, with more than 2.5 million young Kenyans applying to join the initiative. Officials say the response highlights both the country’s growing entrepreneurial ambition and the shortage of economic opportunities available to young people.
Government data shows the programme has produced encouraging early results. More than 91,000 beneficiaries completed Business Development Services training before receiving their first grants, while over 90,000 took part in structured mentorship. By the end of the first mentorship cycle, 96 per cent had established operating businesses.
The first phase largely focused on Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos and Kajiado counties. The second phase broadens the programme’s reach, beginning with counties in northern Kenya, including Garissa, Wajir, Mandera and Marsabit.
Senior government officials have been assigned to oversee the regional rollout. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale will lead activities in Garissa, Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa will oversee Wajir, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho will coordinate Mandera, while Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo will supervise implementation in Marsabit.
The programme will then move to western Kenya, covering Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega and Vihiga under the leadership of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
In the Central Rift cluster, comprising Baringo, Nakuru and Nyandarua, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki will oversee implementation. Along the coast, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya will lead activities in Mombasa, Kwale and Taita Taveta, while Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe will coordinate the Upper Coast cluster covering Kilifi, Lamu and Tana River.
Of the new beneficiaries, 33,269 entrepreneurs will receive their first business grants. Another 88,934 who benefited during the initial phase will receive a second round of funding aimed at helping them expand businesses they have already established.
Officials say the programme is now shifting its focus from helping young people start businesses to supporting long-term growth.
Beyond grants, the government plans to work with county administrations to reduce barriers such as licensing and permit requirements. It also intends to introduce a unique identity for NYOTA entrepreneurs to help them access additional government support and financing through institutions including the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, Uwezo Fund, Kenya Industrial Estates and the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation programme.
The government believes continued investment in youth-led enterprises could create between 150,000 and 250,000 additional jobs, while strengthening Kenya’s micro, small and medium-sized business sector.
As the second phase gets underway, the success of the programme is likely to be judged not only by the number of grants issued but by whether the businesses it supports continue to grow, create jobs and survive beyond their initial funding.
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