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President William Ruto speaking during NITA graduation ceremony at State House, Nairobi, on October 8, 2026.

Education and Career

Ruto: 1.3 million youth to join technical colleges by year-end

Speaking during a National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) graduation ceremony at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday, Ruto said Kenya needed to move away from a long-standing culture that measures educational success largely through academic qualifications

By Chrispho Owuor 8 Oct 2026

Inside government plan to take youth funding closer to rural areas

News

Inside government plan to take youth funding closer to rural areas

The government has set a 50 per cent reservation target for women and five per cent for youth with disabilities under NYOTA, with the age limit for PWD beneficiaries extended to 35 years.

By Maureen Kinyanjui 26 Sep 2026

Kindiki orders 30-day review of Kenya’s external resources policy

News

Kindiki orders 30-day review of Kenya’s external resources policy

Speaking during the 15th Development Partnership Forum in Karen on Wednesday, Kindiki said Ministries, Departments and Agencies should integrate youth employment targets into their annual performance contracts and sector plans, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, the digital economy, tourism and the blue economy.

By David Abonyo 16 Sep 2026

State postpones NYOTA rollout event in Athi River

Business

State postpones NYOTA rollout event in Athi River

Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua confirmed that the event scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the NITA Athi River Centre has been postponed until further notice.

By Samuel Otieno 7 Sep 2026

3,727 informal workers certified as Ruto prepares to launch formalisation drive

News

3,727 informal workers certified as Ruto prepares to launch formalisation drive

The three interventions — Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), the Fundi Locator app and the revamped Haba Haba digital savings platform — are being implemented with support from the World Bank under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) project

By Chrispho Owuor 3 Sep 2026

PS Mang’eni: Why some NYOTA beneficiaries received Sh19,000 instead of Sh22,000

Business

PS Mang’eni: Why some NYOTA beneficiaries received Sh19,000 instead of Sh22,000

Speaking during an interview on NTV on Saturday, Mang'eni said the reduced amount was a result of beneficiaries withdrawing their mandatory savings before completing the programme, making them ineligible for some of its financial incentives.

By David Abonyo 12 Jul 2026

NYOTA expands to Marsabit as 1,680 youth receive business grants

Counties

NYOTA expands to Marsabit as 1,680 youth receive business grants

In Marsabit, 1,570 youth received the first Sh25,000 business support grant under the programme, while the second phase is supporting 1,680 beneficiaries, including young people joining NYOTA for the first time.

By Maureen Kinyanjui 10 Jul 2026

Ruto commits Sh3bn to expand NYOTA support for 122,000 youth

News

Ruto commits Sh3bn to expand NYOTA support for 122,000 youth

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.

By Maureen Kinyanjui 10 Jul 2026

Ruto orders two-year business permit waiver for NYOTA beneficiaries

News

Ruto orders two-year business permit waiver for NYOTA beneficiaries

Ruto said the government has witnessed the progress made by many young entrepreneurs after receiving modest financial support, adding that it now has a duty to eliminate unnecessary hurdles that could slow down their growth.

By Maureen Kinyanjui 10 Jul 2026

NYOTA project warns public over fake Sh36,000 grant notice

News

NYOTA project warns public over fake Sh36,000 grant notice

In a statement published on its official communication platforms on Monday, NYOTA clarified that the circulating notice neither originated from their station nor from The Standard newspaper, whose branding had been misused

By Chrispho Owuor 29 Jun 2026

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi presenting the 2026 Budget Statement in Parliament on Thursday, June 11, 2026. PHOTO/NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

News

Treasury bets big on young Kenyans in Sh20 billion empowerment drive

The National Youth Service has been allocated Sh12.5 billion, while the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme will receive Sh4.9 billion. The Youth Employment Support Programme has been set at Sh1.6 billion, and Film Development Services will get Sh1 billion.

By Bradley Bosire 13 Jun 2026

NYOTA beneficiaries to receive delayed second tranche of start-up grants by June 30

News

NYOTA beneficiaries to receive delayed second tranche of start-up grants by June 30

According to PS Mang’eni, the original rollout plan was adjusted after the overwhelming number of applicants led to a shift from phased distribution to a nationwide selection process. The change followed consultations involving President William Ruto and officials from the World Bank.

By David Abonyo 2 Jun 2026

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during a high-level review meeting of the NYOTA and Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) programmes at his Official Residence in Karen on February 18, 2026/DPCS

News

Kindiki reveals plan to double NYOTA reach to 2 million youths

The Deputy President emphasised that the expansion to two million beneficiaries reflects the government’s broader strategy to stimulate grassroots enterprise, enhance income generation and curb youth unemployment.

By Bradley Bosire 18 Feb 2026

IG Kanja orders probe after man storms stage during Ruto event in Wajir

News

IG Kanja orders probe after man storms stage during Ruto event in Wajir

In a statement, the National Police Service said the safety of the President, other dignitaries, and members of the public was not compromised during the brief drama, which was captured on presidential media channels.

By Samuel Otieno 13 Feb 2026

Ruto announces reopening of Mandera Border Post

News

Ruto announces reopening of Mandera Border Post

Speaking in Mandera on Thursday, the President said the reopening would restore connectivity between communities on both sides of the border and revive economic activity in the region.

By Yunis Dekow 13 Feb 2026

Why World Bank suppots Kenya's NYOTA programme

News

Why World Bank suppots Kenya's NYOTA programme

The World Bank Board approved the project, committing approximately Sh29.5 billion over five years to support its implementation. The government has already begun the final phase of fund disbursement in eight counties, which is expected to conclude within two weeks.

By Maureen Kinyanjui 6 Feb 2026

PHOTOS: Ruto rolls out Sh220 million NYOTA youth cash in Kisii region

Photos

PHOTOS: Ruto rolls out Sh220 million NYOTA youth cash in Kisii region

Under the first phase of the NYOTA Start-Up Capital programme, each participant will get Sh25,000. Out of this amount, Sh22,000 will be sent directly to the beneficiary’s Pochi la Biashara account to help with immediate business needs.

By Maureen Kinyanjui 29 Jan 2026

Ruto unveils programme offering skills and monthly allowance to 90,000 youths

News

Ruto unveils programme offering skills and monthly allowance to 90,000 youths

Selected participants will receive Sh6,000 every month to assist with travel and living expenses while attending the courses. After completing six months of training, the government will cover examination fees and issue certificates, giving youths both practical skills and formal recognition.

By Maureen Kinyanjui 17 Jan 2026

Sh1 billion allocated to Nyota consumed by office costs, consultancy fees

Business

Sh1 billion allocated to Nyota consumed by office costs, consultancy fees

The authority’s annual report for the 2024/25 financial year shows that the money was used to purchase computers, laptops, and cover office operations, with no start-up loans or business training disbursed. MSEA confirmed that all the funds received were consumed by operational and consultancy activities.

By Maureen Kinyanjui 16 Jan 2026

President William Ruto speaking in Nyeri during the launch of the disbursement of Sh173.2 million in NYOTA business start-up capital on January 12, 2026/PCS

News

Ruto defends NYOTA grants, warns against politicising youth programmes

President Ruto said those criticising the programme had failed to offer better alternatives or empower young people during their time in leadership, urging them not to despise modest beginnings.

By Bradley Bosire 12 Jan 2026

President William Ruto speaking during the launch of the second phase of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) business support programme, at the Eldoret Sports Club on January 8, 2026/PCS

News

Sh250m disbursed as Ruto launches phase two of NYOTA in North Rift

Under the NYOTA Business Start-Up Capital programme, each beneficiary received an initial Sh22,000 of the total Sh50,000 allocated to them, deposited into their NYOTA mobile wallets.

By Bradley Bosire 8 Jan 2026

Ruto closes Ukambani tour with Sh110bn plan for roads, water and homes

News

Ruto closes Ukambani tour with Sh110bn plan for roads, water and homes

The President said the funds represent the highest investment any administration has ever directed to the three counties at one time. He told leaders that Sh64 billion will support new houses, modern markets, and student hostels across various towns.

By Bradley Bosire 16 Nov 2025

NYOTA sets dates for youth training across 25 counties

News

NYOTA sets dates for youth training across 25 counties

The training announcement comes a day after NYOTA warned the public about a fake mobile application falsely claiming ties to the project. In a notice on November 12, the organization urged youth to exercise caution.

By Ann Nyambura 14 Nov 2025

Western Kenya Governors waive business licenses for NYOTA beneficiaries

News

Western Kenya Governors waive business licenses for NYOTA beneficiaries

The announcement made by the governments of Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, and Bungoma counties is expected to ease the cost of doing business for thousands of youth starting out with support from the national government’s new empowerment initiative.

By David Abonyo 7 Nov 2025

Mudavadi: Government to continue unlocking youth potential and creating jobs

News

Mudavadi: Government to continue unlocking youth potential and creating jobs

Mudavadi said the government is stable, focused, and determined to fulfill its promises by creating real opportunities for young people to thrive.

By David Abonyo 7 Nov 2025

Hustler Fund borrowers warned against defaulting as NYOTA program kicks off

News

Hustler Fund borrowers warned against defaulting as NYOTA program kicks off

Addressing the crowd during the launch of the NYOTA Program at Mumias Sports Complex in Kakamega County on Friday, the President said borrowers who take small loans and fail to repay only harm their own financial growth.

By Maureen Kinyanjui 7 Nov 2025

Nyota initiative not a fund, PS Mang'eni clarifies

News

Nyota initiative not a fund, PS Mang'eni clarifies

PS Mang’eni explained that Nyota is different from the Hustler Fund in both its function and target group.

By Samuel Otieno 26 Oct 2025

Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya and Principal Secretary (MSMEs) Susan Mang’eni flanked by other state officers at press conference/HANDOUT

News

State to conduct verification for NYOTA programme on Friday

The World Bank–funded initiative targets to reach 820,000 young people aged between 18 and 29 years, and up to 35 years for persons with disabilities, across all 1,450 wards in the country.

By Bradley Bosire 23 Oct 2025

Explainer: What to know about NYOTA Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test

News

Explainer: What to know about NYOTA Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test

To take the test, participants must use the same mobile number they registered with during the NYOTA application.

By Samuel Otieno 22 Oct 2025

State to roll out nationwide NYOTA grassroots sensitization forums

News

State to roll out nationwide NYOTA grassroots sensitization forums

The Nyota initiative, implemented in partnership with the World Bank, will provide Sh50,000 grants to 70 young people in each of Kenya’s 1,450 wards, enabling them to start small businesses.

By Samuel Otieno 6 Oct 2025