On July 6, President William Ruto announced that the government will on Friday, July 10, launch the second disbursement of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) business support programme. This exercise will release KSh3 billion to 122,203 young entrepreneurs across the country.
Of the 122,203 beneficiaries under Phase II, 33,269 will receive their first business grants, while 88,934 returning beneficiaries will receive a second tranche of funding to grow their existing businesses.
“With the launch of the KSh3 billion second tranche of the business support component for the 122,000 beneficiaries, each beneficiary will receive KSh25,000. In addition to a similar amount they had received earlier in the year, each beneficiary will have received a total of KSh50,000,” Ruto said.
The funds will be released as business grants to beneficiaries selected from across the country under the youth fund, which is supported by the Government of Kenya and the World Bank.
NYOTA Phase II Business Grants to Reach Over 122,000 Youth
The disbursement follows the first phase of the programme, which attracted more than 2.5 million applications from young people across the country.
Following the selection process, 121,800 entrepreneurs from all 1,450 wards were enrolled in the first phase.
According to government data, more than 91,253 beneficiaries completed Business Development Services training before receiving the first round of business grants.
The government disbursed over KSh2.28 billion through the initial tranche of funding, while 90,478 beneficiaries also completed structured mentorship.
Since then, 96 percent of those who completed the first mentorship cycle have established operating businesses.
Also Read: Govt Confirms Preparations for 2nd Tranche of NYOTA Funds
Beneficiaries Share Experiences
Some beneficiaries of the programme said the grants helped them revive or expand their businesses after facing financial constraints.
In Kwale County, Ali, a beneficiary of the program, said he used the funding to repair his fishing boat after it broke down, restoring his source of income.
He later diversified into tourism by using the same boat to transport visitors along the coast.
Also Read: NYOTA Explains How Youth Can Earn Up to Ksh3,000 Saving Bonus
For Florence Mumbi, the grant provided the capital she needed to start a fried chicken business after recovering from a difficult childbirth.
She said the venture has since become a steady source of income for her family.
Samuel, a motorcycle taxi operator, said the funding eased the financial pressure of servicing his motorcycle loan, allowing him to reinvest part of his earnings and plan to expand his business.
Meanwhile, Damaris, who previously sold eggs, smokies, and potatoes, said the grant enabled her to increase her stock and grow her business. She now plans to open a butchery to expand her enterprise.
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