KSh250 Million NYOTA Business Grants Rolled Out Across Six North Rift Counties

Overview of the NYOTA Business Start Up Capital Programme

NYOTA Business Start Up Capital Disbursement Update – North Rift Cluster: The Government of Kenya continues to scale up youth economic empowerment through the NYOTA Business Start Up Capital programme. The programme focuses on enterprise funding, skills recognition, workplace training, and access to government procurement opportunities. Its goal is to reduce youth unemployment and strengthen household incomes across the country.

North Rift Cluster Disbursement Summary

Under the North Rift Cluster rollout, the government has disbursed approximately KSh250 million to over 9,500 young entrepreneurs drawn from the following counties:

1. Uasin Gishu
2. Elgeyo-Marakwet
3. Nandi
4. Trans Nzoia
5. Turkana
6. West Pokot

Each approved beneficiary received KSh22,000 to support business start-up or expansion activities aligned with approved business plans.

In addition to the business capital, the government deposited KSh3,000 per beneficiary into individual savings accounts held at the National Social Security Fund. This savings component strengthens long-term financial security and promotes a savings culture among young entrepreneurs.

Recognition of Prior Learning Support

The NYOTA programme is also supporting 20,000 young people under the Recognition of Prior Learning component. This intervention targets youth who possess practical skills but lack formal certification.

The government will fully fund a certification course lasting up to one month, enabling beneficiaries to obtain recognized qualifications. This approach supports smoother transitions into formal employment and improves job mobility within skilled trades.

On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeship Support

An additional 90,000 young people will benefit from structured on-the-job training placements. Participants will be attached to experienced master craftsmen and women for hands-on skills transfer.

Each trainee will receive a monthly stipend of KSh6,000 for six months. Master craftsmen will also receive compensation, while the government covers the full cost of skills assessment and certification. This component strengthens artisan ecosystems and supports local enterprise development.

Access to Government Procurement Opportunities

To expand economic inclusion, the government will train 600,000 young people, women, and persons with disability to participate in public procurement. The training focuses on accessing the 30 percent government procurement opportunities reserved for these groups.

Participants will gain practical knowledge on registration, bidding processes, compliance requirements, and contract execution. This initiative supports business growth and improves participation in public supply chains.

Complementary Youth Empowerment Programmes

The NYOTA interventions work alongside other national programmes, including labour mobility initiatives, affordable housing projects, development of markets and hostels, and the expansion of digital job opportunities. Together, these efforts address unemployment while supporting income generation and poverty reduction.

North Rift Disbursement Event

The North Rift Cluster Business Start Up Capital disbursement was presided over in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, marking a key milestone in the continued rollout of the NYOTA programme across Kenya.