President William Ruto has launched phase two of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme, with over one hundred thousand youths expected to benefit.
The launch of the programme was conducted in different parts of the country, but the president led the initiative that was held at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Langata, Nairobi, on July 10, 2026.
“Launched the second phase of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme’s business support component, disbursing more than Sh3 billion to over 122,000 young entrepreneurs, each receiving Ksh25,000,” Ruto said.
“Also, I have directed government financing institutions – the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, Uwezo Fund, Women Enterprise Fund and Kenya Industrial Estates – to create a dedicated NYOTA Growth Product to provide additional financing to enterprises.”
Waiver of business permits
The head of state also urged the government and counties to consider a two-year waiver of business permits for the beneficiaries of the funds.
“Additionally, I have urged the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council and county governments to consider a two-year business permit waiver for the beneficiaries of the programme,” Ruto added.
“These are clear testaments of what this programme can do, proving wrong those who dismissed Ksh25,000 or Ksh50,000 as “too small to do anything.”
Seamless access to services
Ruto also directed Wycliffe Oparanya’s ministry to form an identification mechanism that is set to help the funds’ beneficiaries access government services with ease.
“To further support our young people, I have directed the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs Development to establish a national NYOTA identification mechanism to enable beneficiaries to access government services and incentives seamlessly,” he added.
“With the disbursement of the second tranche, each beneficiary will have received a total of Ksh50,000 to boost or start a business, making NYOTA one of Kenya’s largest investments in youth enterprise.
“Thousands of small businesses across the country have been given the much-needed financial boost to expand and thrive. This was abundantly clear from the uplifting stories of success told from every corner of the country.”
