The government has announced the schedule for the second phase of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project business start-up capital disbursement, targeting 27 counties across Kenya.
This comes after the successful completion of nationwide classroom training for young entrepreneurs under the NYOTA Project’s Business Support Component.
Principal Secretary in the State Department for MSME Development, Susan Mang’eni, in a statement on January 6, noted that the first tranche of the start-up capital was disbursed on November 7, 2025, to beneficiaries in the Western Cluster, covering Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, and Bungoma counties.
A total of 12,155 youth received Ksh25,000 each, with Ksh3,000 allocated to savings, bringing the total disbursement to Ksh303.875 million.
According to PS Mang’eni, the second phase will see close to 50,000 beneficiaries in 27 counties receive Ksh22,000 each in their NYOTA Pochi la Biashara wallet, along with Ksh3,000 deposited into their Haba na Haba NSSF accounts, starting January 8.
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Only youth who completed the mandatory three-day business skills training are eligible.
“We are now rolling out the 2nd phase of disbursement, targeting 27 counties starting from Thursday, 8th January 2026, to Friday, 16th
January 2026, for successful beneficiaries who completed the mandatory three-day business skills training.”
NYOTA Project disbursement and mentorship schedule
The disbursement and mentorship schedule, which President William Ruto will grace, is as follows:
| Date | Venue | Beneficiary Counties |
|---|---|---|
| 8th Jan 2026 | Eldoret | Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Trans-Nzoia, Turkana, West Pokot |
| 9th Jan 2026 | Nakuru | Nakuru, Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Baringo |
| 12th Jan 2026 | Nanyuki | Laikipia, Isiolo, Samburu |
| 12th Jan 2026 | Nyeri | Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua |
| 14th Jan 2026 | Meru | Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu |
| 15th Jan 2026 | Machakos | Machakos, Kitui, Makueni |
| 16th Jan 2026 | Nairobi | Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado |
PS Mang’eni added that beneficiaries will also participate in a two-month mentorship programme led by business development experts and local entrepreneurs, guiding them into local business ecosystems and markets.
Following this, they will undertake a second phase of Business Development Support training to prepare them for the 2nd tranche of disbursement of the business grant.
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The government emphasised that NYOTA Project beneficiaries are expected to fully utilise the business grants in line with the business plans developed during training.
“NYOTA Project beneficiaries are expected to utilise the business grant fully as per their business plans developed during the classroom business skills training and will be supported by business development experts,” the statement adds.
The PS noted that the schedule for the third phase of disbursement for the remaining 16 counties—Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River, Mombasa, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Nyamira, Kisii, Marsabit, Garissa, Mandera, and Wajir—will be announced in due course.
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