Govt Announces Date NYOTA Beneficiaries Will Receive Ksh22,000 Grant

The government has announced the dates when thousands of young Kenyans under the NYOTA Project will receive their Ksh22,000 business grant this January.

The money will be sent to beneficiaries selected under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, which aims to support young people starting small businesses across the country.

Second Phase of NYOTA Payments Begins January 8

According to Susan Mang’eni, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the second phase of payments will begin on Thursday, January 8, 2026, and run until January 16, 2026.

Nearly 50,000 youth from 27 counties are expected to benefit in this phase.

Each successful beneficiary will receive:

Ksh22,000 in their NYOTA Pochi la Biashara wallet
Ksh3,000 deposited into their Haba na Haba NSSF savings account

Only youth who completed the compulsory three-day business skills training will receive the money.

First Phase Paid Over 12,000 Youth

PS Mang’eni said the first phase of NYOTA payments was done on November 7, 2025, covering counties in the Western region.

A total of 12,155 youth from Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, and Bungoma received Ksh25,000 each, with part of the money saved under the NSSF programme.

The total amount paid during the first phase was over Ksh303 million.

Full NYOTA Grant Disbursement Schedule

The government has released the official venues and dates where beneficiaries will be hosted during the disbursement and mentorship sessions, which will also be attended by President William Ruto.

January 8 – Eldoret: Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, West Pokot
January 9 – Nakuru: Nakuru, Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Baringo
January 12 – Nanyuki: Laikipia, Isiolo, Samburu
January 12 – Nyeri: Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua
January 14 – Meru: Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu
January 15 – Machakos: Machakos, Kitui, Makueni
January 16 – Nairobi: Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado

Beneficiaries to Receive Mentorship Support

Apart from receiving the cash grant, beneficiaries will take part in a two-month mentorship programme led by business experts and experienced local entrepreneurs.

The mentorship will help youth grow their businesses, access markets, and prepare for the second round of business grant funding.

The government has urged beneficiaries to use the money strictly according to the business plans they developed during training.

Remaining Counties to Be Paid Later

PS Mang’eni added that the payment schedule for the remaining 16 counties, including Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Kilifi, Mombasa, Garissa, Mandera, and Wajir, will be announced later.