The government has embarked on a major youth empowerment drive through the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Programme, an ambitious initiative that seeks to uplift 820,000 vulnerable and unemployed young Kenyans by offering them business training and Ksh 50,000 in startup capital as a grant, not a loan.
The programme, which is being rolled out across all 47 counties, targets 70 youths per ward, particularly those who did not study beyond Form Four, as well as persons with disabilities aged 35 years and below. Beneficiaries will be selected through a simple digital registration process by dialing *254#, followed by a vetting and training phase aimed at equipping them with entrepreneurial and vocational skills.
Empowerment Through Skills and Capital
Speaking in Kitui County, Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs Jonathan Mueke said the Nyota Programme aims to give young people “a fair start and the tools to create their own jobs rather than wait for them.”
“The Nyota Programme aims to empower vulnerable and unemployed youths who have not studied beyond Form Four by providing them with Ksh. 50,000 in startup capital as a grant, not a loan,” Mueke said.
“The initiative will identify 70 youths per ward, train them in skills such as carpentry or other trades, and equip them to start sustainable businesses through a simple digital application process by dialing *254#.”
National Rollout and Transparency
In Kirinyaga County, Principal Secretary for Public Health Mary Muthoni officially launched the programme, emphasizing its inclusivity and commitment to transparency.
“The Nyota initiative, aligned with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, aims to equip young people with entrepreneurship and business skills while supporting persons with disabilities up to age 35,” said Muthoni.
“We are determined to ensure the programme is transparent and free from corruption. I urge our youth to seize this opportunity to build strong credit profiles and transform their livelihoods.”
During a sensitization meeting in Kisumu, PS for the State Department for Children Services CPA Carren Angeng’o noted that early applications were dominated by young men, urging more women and persons with disabilities to apply.
“The majority of the initial applicants were male despite the program offering a fifty-fifty chance to both men and women,” she said. “Additionally, very few people with disabilities made their applications. I urge all young Kenyans to apply within the one-week open window to stand a chance of getting one of the 70 slots per ward.”
In Uasin Gishu County, PS for SMEs Susan Mang’eni highlighted that the Nyota Programme is a cornerstone of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“This initiative aligns with our promise to create equal opportunities for young people,” she said. “The government will not consider credit scores or past loan defaults, including those from the Hustler Fund, when selecting beneficiaries. This is a fresh start for our youth.”
Expanding to All Counties
The programme has been launched in several other counties, including Isiolo, Kiambu, Nyeri, Murang’a, and Embu, each event underscoring the same message—empowerment, inclusion, and accountability.
In Isiolo County, PS for Petroleum Mohamed Liban described the programme as a catalyst for rural transformation.
“The launch in Isiolo is expected to spark a wave of mobilisation as the county prepares to identify and enrol the first batch of beneficiaries,” said Liban. “This is part of a broader national strategy to address youth unemployment and idleness by equipping young people with vocational skills, mentorship, and entrepreneurship training.”
In Kiambu, PS for Correctional Services Salome Wairimu assured that the programme would be implemented inclusively.
“We will make sure not a single person is left out — not only leaders from the national government but also county governments will be involved. We will address all raised concerns to ensure smooth and successful implementation,” she said.
Youth Training and Stipends
Energy PS Alex took the campaign to Nyeri, explaining that the programme focuses on youths under 29 years, especially those who may lack formal education or have learned skills informally under the Jua Kali sector.
“Registration is fully automated through *254#,” said Alex. “Those who qualify will receive a Ksh50,000 grant as a business booster, while those joining courses will get a Ksh 6,000 monthly stipend. Each ward will have 70 youth under the programme.”
In Murang’a, the Sports PS urged young people aged 18–29 years(and PWDs up to 35 years) to apply.
“Qualified applicants will receive up to Ksh 50,000 to start businesses and a four-day training. Those joining colleges will get Ksh 6,000 monthly support. The programme also targets unskilled youth,” he said.
In Embu County, more than 1,400 young people are set to benefit from the programme. The launch, held at the Embu Talent Academy, was presided over by PS for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Esther Mworia, who underscored the programme’s long-term vision.
“The Nyota Programme is designed to tackle youth unemployment, promote self-reliance, and encourage a culture of saving,” she said. “This is about giving young Kenyans the tools to shape their own futures.”
A Pathway to Self-Reliance
The NYOTA Programme — a five-year government-backed initiative — marks one of the most extensive youth empowerment efforts in Kenya’s history. By combining grants, skills training, mentorship, and digital accessibility, it aims to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity for hundreds of thousands of young people.
Officials across ministries have urged all eligible youths to register before the window closes and take advantage of the one-time opportunity to transform their lives, build businesses, and contribute to Kenya’s economic growth.
How to Apply:
1. Dial *254# on your mobile phone.
2. Follow the prompts to complete your application.
3. Await selection and training confirmation.
Eligibility
Youth aged 18–29 years (PWDs up to 35).
Must be unemployed or informally skilled.
Each ward to have 70 beneficiaries.
Grants of Ksh 50,000 or monthly stipends of Ksh6,000 for trainees.
Read: All You Need to Know About the NYOTA Program And How to Benefit
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