By Afrireport 
President William Ruto on Friday presided over the disbursement of Sh139.5 million in NYOTA Business Start-Up Capital to 5,880 young entrepreneurs from Mombasa, Kwale, and Taita-Taveta counties.
The ceremony took place at the Jomo Kenyatta Showground in Mombasa, attracting a wide array of stakeholders including county officials, business mentors and aspiring young entrepreneurs.
The NYOTA programme, part of the government’s broader youth empowerment agenda, seeks to transform innovative ideas into viable businesses while creating employment opportunities across the country.
Speaking during the event, President Ruto emphasised that the initiative is aimed at equipping the youth with both financial resources and mentorship to ensure their ventures thrive in a competitive economy.
Our young people are the backbone of this nation’s future. This capital is not just money; it is an investment in your vision, your dreams, and Kenya’s growth,” President Ruto said. He added that the government will continue to expand such initiatives to reach more youth in other counties.
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The beneficiaries received funds ranging from Sh15,000 to Sh50,000, depending on the nature of their business proposals.
Sectors supported include agribusiness, technology, manufacturing, creative arts and services. Officials highlighted that beyond funding, recipients will benefit from mentorship programmes, market linkages and skills development workshops aimed at enhancing their entrepreneurial success.
County governments echoed their support for the initiative. Mombasa Governor emphasised the importance of such programmes in reducing youth unemployment and fostering economic growth at the county level. We are proud to see our young people stepping into entrepreneurship, and this support from the national government will go a long way in nurturing sustainable businesses,” he remarked.
The event also featured testimonies from past NYOTA beneficiaries who shared their success stories, highlighting how the capital had helped them launch profitable businesses and employ others in their communities.
The NYOTA programme has been praised by business analysts for targeting grassroots entrepreneurs and encouraging innovation among the youth.
With this latest round of funding, thousands of young Kenyans are now better positioned to turn their ideas into successful ventures, contributing to Kenya’s overall economic development.
As the programme continues to expand, both the national and county governments hope to see a surge in youth led businesses that will not only generate income but also drive job creation and local economic growth.
