More than 5,000 young entrepreneurs from Lamu, Kilifi, and Tana River counties have received start-up capital worth Sh160 million under the NYOTA Business Program, a government initiative aimed at helping young people create jobs through business.
The funds were issued during a major event held in Malindi after the beneficiaries completed a compulsory four-day business skills training program designed to prepare them to start and manage small enterprises. The forum was led by President William Ruto and formed part of a wider effort by the government to tackle youth unemployment along the Coast.
While addressing the gathering, the President said the NYOTA program is targeting youth across the country with direct business support.
“Their are another 90,000 young people in the next phase who will also benefit from this project,” he said.
He further noted that the program would expand even further, adding that “their are a further 600,000 youth in the subsequent phase who will be reached by this NYOTA project as well.”
According to the President, the program will ultimately benefit 820,000 young people.
The beneficiaries in the current phase were drawn from 60 wards across the three counties. Lamu County contributed 10 wards, Kilifi County 35 wards, while Tana River County accounted for 15 wards.
President William Ruto alongside Deputy President Kithure Kindiki arrive in Kilifi County for the Nyota capital disbursement forum for Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale counties on February 5, 2026 in Buntwani Waterfront Park, Malindi, Kilifi County.PHOTO/PCSAll the beneficiaries successfully completed a mandatory four-day business skills training that focused on practical lessons required to start and sustain a business.
Under the NYOTA Business Component, each youth entrepreneur received Sh25,000 in the first phase of the grant. From this amount, Sh22,000 was sent directly to the beneficiary’s Pochi la Biashara account to support business activities, while Sh3,000 was deposited into a Haba na Haba Savings Account managed by the National Social Security Fund.
The NYOTA Fund is a flagship youth empowerment program established by the Government of Kenya in partnership with the World Bank. It was officially launched in August 2025 as a five-year initiative aimed at reducing youth unemployment, expanding business opportunities, and improving financial access for young people in all 1,450 wards across the country.
The fund operates under the broader NYOTA Project, whose main goal is to open pathways for jobs, entrepreneurship, skills growth, and access to government opportunities. Its targets include supporting 110,000 youth-led businesses, certifying 20,000 artisans through Recognition of Prior Learning, offering job attachments to 90,000 youth, and training 600,000 young people on how to access government procurement opportunities while building a savings culture.
The NYOTA initiative was introduced after years of concern over rising youth unemployment and limited income opportunities. The program combines business grants, training, mentorship, and savings to help young people build stable livelihoods.
Since the rollout began in November 2025, the program has already supported large numbers of youth. In Western Kenya, 12,155 young people received start-up capital in the first disbursement. In January 2026, another 10,337 youth from Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kajiado benefited, with nearly 50,000 more supported across 27 counties.
Officials at the event said the approach ensures that young people receive not only money but also guidance and savings support.
“The disbursement follows the successful completion of a mandatory four-day business skills training program, which equipped the youth with practical skills to start and grow a business,” officials noted during the ceremony.
The program is being rolled out in phases, with beneficiaries expected to receive an additional Sh25,000 in the second phase. This will bring the total support to Sh50,000 per youth, allowing continued backing as businesses grow.
President William Ruto emphasized that such programs are key to unlocking the potential of young people and building inclusive economic growth. He encouraged the beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly and apply the lessons gained during training.
The youth who received the funds expressed hope and appreciation, describing the support as a crucial step toward achieving their business goals.
Kenyans across Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale counties converge in Kilifi County for the Nyota capital disbursement forum for the Coastal counties on February 5, 2026 in Buntwani Waterfront Park, Malindi, Kilifi County.PHOTO/PCSResidents from Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale counties gathered in large numbers for the NYOTA capital disbursement forum held on February 5, 2026 at Buntwani Waterfront Park in Malindi, Kilifi County.
Many beneficiaries plan to invest in small ventures including retail trade, farming, services, and light manufacturing.
Lamu, Kilifi, and Tana River counties, known for their strong cultural identity and economic promise, are expected to benefit from the growing number of youth-led businesses. By providing skills and capital, the NYOTA program supports local economies and encourages new ideas.
The funding exercise highlights the government’s focus on empowering young people to take part in economic growth. By combining training with financial support, the program aims to turn start-up funding into lasting businesses and jobs.
As the program moves into the next phase, stakeholders remain optimistic that the NYOTA model will continue to deliver positive results across the country, strengthening its role in youth economic transformation.
