About the NYOTA Project
The NYOTA Project is a national initiative by the Government of Kenya aimed at empowering vulnerable youth through business grants, mentorship, and skills development. It targets youth across all 1,450 wards in the country, ensuring a minimum of 70 beneficiaries per ward.
The Business Support Component provides startup capital, structured mentorship, and post-disbursement support to ensure sustainable business growth.
Location: 27 Counties, Kenya
Start Date: Thursday, 8 January 2026
End Date: Friday, 16 January 2026
Target Beneficiaries: Over 50,000 youth who completed mandatory three-day business skills training
Phase Two Disbursement Overview
Phase Two targets 27 counties with successful beneficiaries receiving Kshs. 22,000 deposited into their NYOTA Pochi la Blashara wallet and an additional Kshs. 3,000 into their Haba na Haba NSSF account.
Eligible beneficiaries must have completed the mandatory three-day business skills training.
Counties Covered in Phase Two
Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Trans-Nzoia, Turkana, West Pokot
Nakuru, Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Baringo
Laikipia, Isiolo, Samburu
Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua
Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu
Machakos, Kitui, Makueni
Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado
Phase Three for the remaining 16 counties will be announced later.
Disbursement and Mentorship Schedule
| Date | Venue | Beneficiary Counties |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Jan 2026 | Eldoret | Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Trans-Nzoia, Turkana, West Pokot |
| 9 Jan 2026 | Nakuru | Nakuru, Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Baringo |
| 12 Jan 2026 | Nanyuki | Laikipia, Isiolo, Samburu |
| 12 Jan 2026 | Nyeri | Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua |
| 14 Jan 2026 | Meru | Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu |
| 15 Jan 2026 | Machakos | Machakos, Kitui, Makueni |
| 16 Jan 2026 | Nairobi | Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado |
The events will be graced by H.E. President William Ruto and other government officials, including Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya and Hon. Alfred Mutua, who recently participated in consultative meetings reviewing the rollout progress.
Additional Support for Beneficiaries
All Phase Two beneficiaries will benefit from:
Two-month mentorship program delivered by business development experts and local entrepreneurs
Second-phase Business Development Support training to prepare for subsequent disbursement rounds
Guidance to ensure proper utilization of grants according to their approved business plans
Phase One Recap
The first phase of the business start-up capital disbursement took place on 7 November 2025, covering the Western Cluster counties: Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, and Bungoma.
12,155 beneficiaries received Kshs. 25,000 each
Kshs. 3,000 allocated to savings per beneficiary
Total disbursement: Kshs. 303,875,000
Phase Three Preview
Phase Three will cover the remaining 16 counties:
Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River, Mombasa, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Nyamira, Kisii, Marsabit, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir
The schedule for Phase Three will be communicated in due course.
Contact Information
Principal Secretary, State Department for MSMEs Development:
Susan Mang’eni, CBS
For inquiries:
Ministry officials and county coordinators will provide guidance to beneficiaries at all venues
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