NYOTA Addresses How Kenyans Can Receive Ksh36,000 Amid Concerns Over Ksh200 Fee

The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme has dismissed claims that Kenyans must pay a KSh200 fee to access its funds.

In a statement released on Sunday, the government-backed project warned the public against falling for fake information spreading on social media. The clarification comes after a poster went viral claiming that young people could receive Ksh36,000 by paying a small fee through a paybill number.

NYOTA has confirmed that this information is false.

“This is fake and should be ignored. The NYOTA Project does not have a till or paybill number. All our services are free and can be accessed through the USSD code *254#,” the statement said.

The fake poster, which has been widely shared since March 29, was designed to look like a front page from the Daily Nation newspaper. It even included a photo of President William Ruto and a headline suggesting he had announced financial support for citizens.

No Fees, No App, No Loans

NYOTA has made it clear that:

There are no charges to access the programme
The project does not have a mobile app
It does not offer loans

“All services under the NYOTA Project are completely free,” the agency emphasized.

What Is the NYOTA Programme?

NYOTA is a government initiative aimed at helping young Kenyans start businesses and gain skills. The programme is supported by the World Bank and focuses on empowering unemployed youth.

It targets:

Young people aged 18 to 29 years
Up to 35 years for persons with disabilities

The programme mainly supports those with Form Four education or below, offering:

Business startup funds
Skills training
Six-month work experience opportunities

Rollout Across the Country

The programme was launched by President William Ruto in September 2025 and officially rolled out nationwide in November the same year.

It has been implemented in phases across different regions, including:

Western Kenya (Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma)
Rift Valley (Uasin Gishu, Nakuru)
Central region (Kiambu)
Nairobi

The programme has also reached Nyanza counties, with Kisumu hosting a major disbursement event for youth from Kisumu, Siaya, and Homa Bay.

In Northern Kenya, funds have already been distributed in Garissa and Mandera, with Wajir expected to be covered in the final phase.

Kenyans Warned to Stay Alert

NYOTA has urged Kenyans to be careful and avoid sending money to fraudsters pretending to offer access to the funds.

With the programme continuing to expand, authorities are warning that scammers may try to take advantage of the opportunity to steal from unsuspecting citizens.

Young people are advised to only use official channels and remember that no payment is required at any stage.