90,000 youths to get Sh36,000 skills funding - President Ruto

President William Ruto has announced the opening of nationwide enrollment for 90,000 youths starting this evening, allowing young Kenyans who are not beneficiaries of the NYOTA Start-Up Capital to register independently through *254#, in a move aimed at expanding access to skills training and employment opportunities.

Speaking at Gusii Stadium in Kisii County, where he presided over the disbursement of NYOTA Business Start-Up Capital, the President said the government is deliberately targeting youths who may not have had the opportunity to complete formal education.

“If there is someone who hasn’t had the chance to go to school, whether they reached Standard 8 or Form 4 and lack skills… we are ready today evening, register so that we help you gain the skills to push your life forward,” President Ruto said on Thusday.

He emphasized that the new enrollment drive is open and inclusive, with no need for endorsements from local leaders or authorities.

“It is not necessary for your name to be known, nor for you to be known by a chief, a local elder, a neighborhood leader, an MP, or governor. You and your phone are enough,” he stated, urging youths across the country to take advantage of the opportunity.

According to the President, the 90,000 youths to be enrolled will receive Sh36,000 each to facilitate skills training.

“We will also provide Sh36,000 for them to pursue that training, pay for the exams, and ensure that upon completion they acquire skills to push their lives forward,” he said, adding that beneficiaries will receive certification to help them access future employment opportunities.

The announcement came alongside the rollout of Sh220.5 million in NYOTA Start-Up Capital to 8,820 young entrepreneurs from Kisii, Nyamira, and Migori counties.

The beneficiaries received the funds after completing a mandatory four-day business skills training programme focused on financial management, entrepreneurship, and business growth.

Under the first phase, each entrepreneur will receive Sh25,000, with Sh22,000 credited to their Pochi la Biashara accounts and Sh3,000 saved under the NSSF-managed Haba na Haba Savings Account.

A second phase will see beneficiaries receive an additional Sh25,000, bringing total start-up capital per entrepreneur to Sh50,000.

The president had disbursed the NYOTA Start-Up Capital to youths in other counties, including Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Trans-Nzoia, Turkana, West Pokot, Nakuru, Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Baringo, Laikipia, Isiolo, Samburu, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Nairobi, Kiambu and Kajiado.

The NYOTA programme, a partnership between the government and the World Bank, is a flagship youth empowerment initiative valued at Sh5 billion.

It is designed to support 100,000 young people nationwide, with at least 70 beneficiaries drawn from each of Kenya’s 1,450 wards.

President Ruto said the combined approach of business capital and skills training reflects the government’s commitment to empowering young people economically and preparing them for sustainable livelihoods.