NYOTA Selects 110,000 Kenyans to Receive Ksh50K Each, Outlines Next Steps

The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement Project (NYOTA) has selected 110,000 Kenyan youths to receive KSh 50,000 each to boost their businesses.

In an update issued on Wednesday, August 20, NYOTA announced that the selection process has been successfully completed and that the shortlisted youths have already received notification messages.

 The organization congratulated all applicants who had been selected for the program.

“Out of the 1 million applications received in Phase 1 for the Business Support Grant, only 110,000 were required,” the statement read in part.

“This marks the beginning of your journey to receiving KSh 50,000 in business support to start and implement your chosen business idea.”

110,000 NYOTA Successful Applicants to Undergo Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test

Selected applicants have been advised to participate in the Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test by sending the SMS “NYOTA” to the code 40270 to begin the test.

 The test should be completed before Sunday, August 31.

“This test is important in assessing whether you have the skills to run a business,” NYOTA added.

Participants have been advised to score at least 70% in the test.

Successful applicants have received messages from NYOTA stating: “Good news! You have been pre-selected for NYOTA Business Support. SMS ‘NYOTA’ to 40270 to begin the Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test. Complete it by August 31, 2025.”

Also Read: Govt Approves New Investment Schemes and 10 Sub-Funds in Kenya

About the Program

The NYOTA project is a government initiative funded by the World Bank, aimed at increasing employment and income through skilling, apprenticeship, and business support, while also promoting a savings culture among beneficiaries.

Former Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs Kipchumba Murkomen announced in December 2024 that the project seeks to empower 820,000 unemployed youths across Kenya. At the time, he noted that the five-year initiative is designed to tackle youth unemployment by offering practical skills through apprenticeships and fostering entrepreneurship.

The program provides financial support to help participants start or grow business ventures. This support may take the form of grants, loans, or equity investments, depending on the nature and growth potential of the business.

Also Read: How Kenyan Youth Can Check and Apply for Nationwide Opportunities Via New Govt Portal

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants were supposed to:

• Be Kenyan citizens.
• Be a youth aged 18–29 years, or up to 35 years for those living with disabilities.
• Have not studied beyond the Form Four level of education.
• Possess a valid national identity card and a SIM card registered in their name.
• Be unemployed, underemployed, or in low-tier employment.

Apprenticeship Component

The apprenticeship lasts five months, combining on-the-job training with mentorship from industry experts.

Participants can choose from various trades within the digital, creative, green, blue, and grey economies.

Upon completion, participants receive formal recognition of their skills through certifications such as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) from the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).

The program also incorporates social-emotional skills development, covering areas such as communication, leadership, and financial literacy.

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