Kitui, October 2025
President William Ruto has announced that the long-awaited NYOTA Programme, a youth empowerment initiative backed by the World Bank, will begin disbursing funds from November 4.
The programme, which has set aside KSh20 billion, is designed to support young Kenyans seeking to start small businesses, access technical training, or advance innovative ventures.
“We have KSh20 billion from the World Bank to give to our youth,” Ruto said during his Mashujaa Day address at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County. “We will be targeting 800,000 youths who will receive funding under different categories of the NYOTA project.”
Verification to Resume Nationwide
Before the rollout, Ruto said, the government will resume verification of applicants across all 290 constituencies starting Friday, October 24.
The exercise, temporarily suspended following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, will ensure that only eligible candidates benefit from the initiative.
“This coming Friday, we will be doing verification in every constituency targeting the business cohort,” Ruto said. “This will enable them to open businesses and contribute to the country’s growth.”
The President called on Members of Parliament, county leaders, and administrators to support the process to guarantee fairness and transparency.
Who the Programme Targets
Under the NYOTA framework, about 90,000 young people will undergo technical and vocational training to gain practical job skills.
The government will also recognise prior learning for those with informal experience — from artisans to mechanics — awarding them certificates to boost their employability.
In addition, youth interested in entrepreneurship will receive grants of KSh50,000 each, a move expected to reach 100,000 beneficiaries across the country.
Ruto said the initiative forms a crucial part of his administration’s broader plan to tackle youth unemployment and promote self-reliance.
“This programme is about empowering young people to build sustainable livelihoods,” he said. “We want them to become job creators rather than job seekers.”
Background and Broader Impact
The NYOTA Programme (National Youth Opportunities, Training, and Advancement) is a flagship collaboration between the Government of Kenya and the World Bank aimed at addressing rising youth unemployment and supporting micro-enterprise growth.
Officials say the initiative not only provides financial grants but also offers training, mentorship, and access to markets — equipping beneficiaries to run profitable ventures.
Economists have described the move as a timely investment, coming amid sluggish job creation and growing demand for vocational skills.
If implemented effectively, analysts say, NYOTA could become one of the most significant youth development interventions in Kenya’s recent history — empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs while easing economic pressure on households.