Government Rolls out Nyota Grants to boost Youth Enterprise at the Coast
The Government has rolled out NYOTA Business Support grants to youth from Kwale, Taita Taveta and Mombasa counties, as part of a nationwide drive to accelerate job creation and expand enterprise opportunities for young people at the grassroots. The disbursement ceremony was held on Thursday at the Jomo Kenyatta Showground in Mkomani, Mombasa County, and was presided over by H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, CGH. He was accompanied by Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, including Dr. Idris Salim Dokota, PhD, CBS, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Cabinet Affairs and other senior government officials.
The NYOTA Programme targets unemployed and underemployed youth aged between 18 and 29 years, providing a blend of entrepreneurship training, mentorship and start-up capital to support small and micro enterprises. Each beneficiary can access up to Kshs 50,000, with funds disbursed through secure digital platforms to enhance transparency, accountability and financial inclusion.
Under the programme framework, Kshs 22,000 is paid directly to beneficiaries to kick-start their businesses, while Kshs 3,000 is channelled to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) as compulsory savings aimed at strengthening long-term financial security. The programme is implemented with support from the World Bank and is aligned to the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Speaking at the event, President Ruto clarified that NYOTA funds are reinforced and not deducted from the Hustler Fund, assuring beneficiaries that participation in the programme does not limit access to other Government financing options. He noted that 800 youth are benefiting in the current phase, with plans underway to scale up the initiative nationwide.
The President further linked the NYOTA Programme to broader Government efforts to expand employment opportunities through affordable housing, hostel construction, road infrastructure development and the blue economy, noting that youth employment remains a central priority of the administration.
In addition, he highlighted ongoing tax reforms aimed at easing the cost of living, including the removal of PAYE for Kenyans earning below Kshs 30,000 per month and the reduction of the top PAYE rate from 30 per cent to 25 per cent. He also underscored the importance of recognising skills acquired through higher learning institutions, technical and vocational education, and on-the-job training as part of building a competitive and productive workforce.
To date, over 114,000 youth have benefited from the NYOTA Programme, with the Government targeting to reach 800,000 beneficiaries nationwide by the end of the year. The initiative continues to position itself as a key pillar of the Government’s youth employment and enterprise strategy, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive growth, effective service delivery and sustainable livelihoods, ensuring that no one is left behind.