President William Ruto has announced a KSh 5 billion investment to support 134,000 young entrepreneurs through the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme.
Speaking on Thursday, October 8, 2026, Ruto said the government wants to help young people not only find jobs but also start businesses and create employment for others.
The programme targets young entrepreneurs across all 1,450 wards in Kenya, focusing on young people whose highest education level is Form Four or below.
“Our ambition is not only to prepare young people to find jobs, it is to prepare them to create jobs as well,” Ruto said.
How the NYOTA Business Support Programme Works
The NYOTA Business Support Programme provides business training, mentorship and financial assistance to help young people start or grow their enterprises.
The KSh 5 billion investment is intended to reach 134,000 young entrepreneurs across the country.
However, the latest announcement did not provide new application dates or confirm when additional beneficiaries would be enrolled.
Ruto Plans to Expand NYOTA Business Support
The President also said the government plans to expand the business support component of the NYOTA programme.
He said he would make a separate announcement on the planned expansion, raising the possibility of more young people accessing the initiative in the future.
“Na hiyo program ya Nyota, especially the business support, I am going to be making another statement because we want to expand that program,” Ruto said.
Young Kenyans interested in the programme should follow official NYOTA communication channels for updates on eligibility, applications and any new opportunities.
Government Sets Aside KSh 20 Billion for Small Businesses
Ruto also announced that the government had mobilised an additional KSh 20 billion for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises through the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation Programme.
The funding is intended to support businesses operating in high-growth sectors.
The NYOTA programme is part of the government’s wider efforts to improve youth employment through business support, workplace experience, recognition of skills gained through experience and access to government procurement opportunities.
For young people looking to become entrepreneurs, the planned expansion could create more opportunities to access business capital and training. However, further details on the expansion are still awaited.
Click to Join Our WhatsApp Channel
