The Government of Kenya has announced new dates for the disbursement of Ksh25,000 in business start up support to thousands of young Kenyans under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, renewing public attention on one of its flagship youth empowerment initiatives.
The funds, which will be rolled out between 8 and 16 January 2026, are part of the project’s second phase and will be distributed across 27 counties through a series of county level events. The programme targets youth who have already completed the required NYOTA business skills training, signalling a move from preparation to actual financial support for small and micro enterprise development.
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Each successful beneficiary will receive a total of Ksh25,000, split into two components. Ksh22,000 will be deposited directly into the beneficiary’s NYOTA “Pochi la Biashara” mobile wallet to be used as start up or expansion capital for their business. The remaining Ksh3,000 will be deposited into an NSSF Haba na Haba savings account, a structure designed to encourage long term savings alongside entrepreneurship.
Eligibility for this phase is limited to youth who have completed the mandatory three day business training programme conducted under the NYOTA framework. The project primarily targets vulnerable and unemployed youth, with a focus on equipping them not just with capital but also with basic financial literacy, business planning skills and mentorship.
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Beyond the cash disbursement, beneficiaries will be enrolled in a two month mentorship programme, where they will receive guidance from business development experts and local entrepreneurs. This mentorship component is intended to improve the sustainability of youth led enterprises and reduce the risk of early business failure.
The NYOTA Project is financed by the World Bank and forms part of the government’s broader strategy to address youth unemployment by promoting entrepreneurship, skills development and a savings culture among young people. As the new disbursement dates approach, attention will now shift to how effectively the funds are utilised and whether the programme delivers lasting economic impact for the youth it aims to support.
- 8 January: Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Trans-Nzoia, Turkana and West Pokot counties.
- 9 & 12 January: Nakuru, Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Baringo, Laikipia, Isiolo and Samburu.
- 12 & 14 January: Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua and Meru.
- 15 January: Machakos, Kitui and Makueni.
- 16 January: Nairobi, Kiambu and Kajiado.
