The government has unveiled how it plans to cushion unemployed Gen Zs across the country with Ksh50,000 as part of a new initiative to address unemployment.
Known as the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, the program is set to benefit 70 youths per ward, targeting over 100,000 young people nationwide.
According to by the Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA), which is responsible for implementing the program, the move is aimed at boosting entrepreneurship and self-employment,
Moreover, MSEA presented the implementation details of the initiative to the National Assembly Committee on Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives on Tuesday, April 1.
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MSEA Explains How Unemployed Gen Zs will Get the Money
According to MSEA Project Coordinator Caroline Kioko, the NYOTA project is open to unemployed youths aged 18-29 years (or up to 35 years for those with disabilities).
Other qualified candidates include individuals with a form four certificate or lower, including school dropouts.
Also, the Ksh50,000 will be given to aspiring or current small-scale entrepreneurs looking to start or expand a business.
However, to ensure proper fund utilization, the Ksh50,000 grant will be disbursed in two installments of Ksh25,000 each. Additionally, the government will provide Business Development Services (BDS) training and mentorship to the Gen Zs.
Moreover, this will ensure that they learn how to manage and grow their businesses.
“Beneficiaries will receive a comprehensive package that includes grants, BDS training, and mentorship. Over 100,000 youths with business ideas will benefit from Sh50,000 in startup capital to begin or sustain their businesses,” explained the coordinator.
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Govt Defends Grant Amount Amid Concerns
During the briefing, lawmakers raised concerns over whether Ksh50,000 is enough to establish a sustainable business.
Committee Vice Chairperson Aldai MP Marianne Kitany urged MSEA to learn from past government youth and women empowerment programs and ensure the NYOTA initiative succeeds where others have struggled.
However, MSEA officials defended the funding, arguing that many businesses can be started with small capital.
“There are several businesses that one can begin with Ksh25,000 or even less. If you look at what the Hustler Fund offers, it starts from as low as Ksh500, which can help a woman buy vegetables at the market to resell,” noted Caroline Kioko.
Applications for funding are open for Kenyan youth in all 47 counties, including refugees in Garissa and Turkana.
Also, applicants must have a SIM card registered in their name and a National ID card.
To apply, one can submit the application by dialing the USSD Code *254#, then select the NYOTA project option to proceed. Applications close on 30th April 2025.
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