Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has hailed the NYOTA business capital start-up grants as a key driver for youth entrepreneurship, saying the initiative is helping young Kenyans grow their micro and small businesses.
At a disbursement ceremony in Kisumu City, Kindiki noted that the KSh 50,000 grant is enough to get young entrepreneurs started, while the government’s business skills training under NYOTA equips them to expand and access additional funding opportunities.
He highlighted how beneficiaries can leverage other government-backed programs, including the Hustler Bridge Fund, which offers loans of up to KSh 150,000, and the Kenya Industrial Estates loans, which provide financing of up to KSh 20 million for growing businesses.
“NYOTA is part of the government’s broader agenda to create jobs and income opportunities for young people, transforming Kenya’s economy from the bottom upwards and delivering on the Pesa Mfukoni pledge,” Kindiki said.
The Kisumu event saw 8,820 beneficiaries from Homa Bay, Kisumu, and Siaya counties receive a total of KSh 220 million in start-up funds.
President William Ruto presided over the ceremony, underlining the administration’s commitment to empowering youth and supporting economic growth.
Beneficiaries expressed optimism that the grants, combined with training and access to follow-up financing, will help them build sustainable businesses and increase their incomes.
