The government has rolled out the second phase of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Programme, expanding financial support to thousands of young entrepreneurs across the country.
Speaking during the launch in Marsabit County on Friday, July 10, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the initiative targets youth aged between 18 and 29 years, with the eligibility age extended to 35 years for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Omollo said the programme is being implemented in all 1,450 wards nationwide to increase access to business financing and employment opportunities for young people.
Thousands of Young Entrepreneurs to Benefit as Government Launches NYOTA Phase Two. Photo: Courtesy.
In Marsabit County, 1,570 young entrepreneurs benefited from the programme’s first phase, each receiving an initial KSh25,000 business grant. The second phase has expanded the number of beneficiaries to 1,680, including new entrants.
Under the latest rollout, beneficiaries will receive a further KSh25,000 to help expand their businesses. Of this amount, KSh3,000 will be channelled to the NSSF Haba Haba Savings Scheme to promote a culture of saving and strengthen the financial security of young entrepreneurs.
Omollo said the high rate of successful investment by beneficiaries in the first phase demonstrated the programme’s impact on youth livelihoods and local economic growth.
He also commended the Marsabit County Government for supporting youth entrepreneurship by waiving business licence fees for young entrepreneurs, urging other county governments to adopt similar policies in collaboration with the national government.
According to the Principal Secretary, the NYOTA Programme goes beyond financial support by offering workplace attachment opportunities that equip young people with practical job experience.
The initiative also incorporates the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme, enabling artisans such as mechanics, plumbers, electricians and technicians to obtain formal certification for skills acquired through hands-on experience.
Omollo said the programme complements the government’s broader strategy to address youth unemployment by connecting young people with entrepreneurship opportunities, skills development programmes and employment pathways.
He further encouraged beneficiaries to tap into other government empowerment initiatives, including the Hustler Fund, the Youth Enterprise Development Fund and the Women Enterprise Fund, as well as procurement opportunities available through both the national and county governments.
