Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced that the government has allocated Sh28 billion to support small-scale enterprises across all 1,450 wards in Kenya, in a bold step aimed at transforming livelihoods at the grassroots level.
Speaking during an empowerment forum for small traders in Lari Constituency, Kiambu County, Prof. Kindiki said the funds will be channeled through the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) program.
Each ward will see 70 businesses benefit from Sh50,000 grants, which the Deputy President described as a game-changer for struggling traders looking to expand their ventures.
He emphasized that the government is committed to empowering citizens through meaningful programs that drive development rather than relying on handouts during election periods.
According to him, the NYOTA initiative is designed to strengthen the backbone of the economy by investing in people who only need a small push to realize significant growth.
Kindiki urged Kenyans not to be drawn into premature political debates but instead focus on holding leaders accountable for service delivery and development. He said the government’s priority remains economic stabilization, improvement of livelihoods, and expansion of opportunities for all.
He defended the administration’s development track record, citing increased income for farmers, lower costs of essential commodities, and the creation of thousands of jobs across various sectors including teaching, housing, technology, and climate resilience.
He noted that programs such as Kazi Mtandaoni, Climate WorX, and the affordable housing plan have already absorbed a significant number of young people, both locally and abroad, as part of a broader plan to tackle unemployment.
