The government has reiterated its commitment to tackling youth unemployment, with 70 youth from each of Kenya’s 1,450 wards receiving 50,000 shillings a startup capital through the Nyota Project. This will ensure that they set up their small businesses and empower themselves.
According to the government, the program, backed by the World Bank, is a transformative five-year initiative designed to open up pathways of economic empowerment for young people. Overall, at least 100,000 youth will benefit.
The first group that includes 54,000 youth will receive their cash this month of September.
Here is what President William Ruto said:
Under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, 100,000 young entrepreneurs, 70 from each of Kenya’s 1,450 wards, will each receive Ksh 50,000 in start-up capital.
In the first phase, 54,000 youth will receive their funds in September. pic.twitter.com/LpZT7q6WPB
— Hussein Mohamed, MBS. (@HusseinMohamedg) August 28, 2025
Those who will receive their cash this September will get 50,000 shillings in start-up funding disbursed in two equal instalments of 25,000 shillings each.
In every tranche, 22,000 shillings will be provided directly to the beneficiary to fund their business, while 3,000 will automatically be deposited in the beneficiary’s NSSF ‘Haba Haba’ savings scheme account.
This project is set to build a resilient and self-sufficient youth population that contributes meaningfully to Kenya’s socio-economic development. It is tailored towards empowering vulnerable Kenyan youth by providing them with the necessary skills, resources, and opportunities to thrive in the modern economy.
Speaking during the International Youth Day celebrations on August 12, 2025, at Masinde Muliro University in Kakamega, President Ruto emphasized that NYOTA is about building long-term sustainability for youth across the country.
The NYOTA Project, financed by the World Bank and spearheaded by the State Department for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy, targets young people aged 18–29 years, and up to 35 years for Persons with Disabilities.
Over 1 million applications have already been received for the Business Support intervention, which will provide 70 young entrepreneurs in every ward – 100,000 in total – with KES. 50,000 each as capital to start or expand their businesses. Beginning September 2025, the first cohort of 54,000 beneficiaries will receive their grants, the President announced.
Related Content: How The Kenyan Youth And The Vulnerable Are Set To Benefit From The Nyota Project
