President William Ruto has unveiled a fresh round of funding under the NYOTA programme that will see more than 122,000 young entrepreneurs receive government support, with close to Sh3 billion set aside to help expand youth-owned businesses and create more employment opportunities across the country.
Launching NYOTA Tranche II at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang'ata on Friday, July 10, 2026, the President said the programme has continued to gain momentum, with thousands of beneficiaries now qualifying for additional funding after successfully investing their initial grants, while tens of thousands more are joining the initiative for the first time.
He said the latest disbursement reflects the government's commitment to giving young entrepreneurs the financial backing needed to grow sustainable businesses and contribute to the country's economic development.
"We are going to spend close to 3 billion Kenyan shillings across Kenya to fund more than 122,000 young entrepreneurs," the president said.
Ruto announced that 88,934 beneficiaries who properly utilised their first allocation will shortly receive a second tranche of Sh25,000, raising the total amount each entrepreneur receives under the programme to Sh50,000.
He said the additional support is meant to help businesses move to the next level instead of leaving entrepreneurs with only one round of funding.
The President also announced that another 33,269 young Kenyans will receive their first tranche of funding, opening the door for them to establish or strengthen their businesses through the NYOTA programme.
According to Ruto, supporting youth enterprises remains a key part of the government's plan to create jobs, strengthen local businesses and build a stronger economy by giving young people opportunities to succeed through entrepreneurship.
He said the decision to release a second round of funding to successful beneficiaries demonstrates the government's focus on nurturing businesses with growth potential rather than offering one-off grants.
Ruto maintained that the programme represents one of the largest coordinated efforts to finance young entrepreneurs, saying investments in enterprise today will help shape Kenya's economic future.
"88,934 young entrepreneurs who successfully invested their initial business support will shortly receive the second tranche of 25,000 Kenyan shillings, bringing their support under the programme to KSh50,000," Ruto said.
"At the same time, another 33,269 young Kenyans are taking the first step on their entrepreneurial journey by receiving their first tranche of support. This is one of the largest coordinated investments ever made in Kenya’s young entrepreneurs, because when we invest in enterprise, we invest in the future of our economy," he added.