Ruto Launches KSh 235 Million NYOTA Startup Capital Rollout in Rift Valley

Kenya, 8 January 2026 - President William Ruto on Thursday officially launched the second phase of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project in Eldoret, ushering in the disbursement of KSh 235,575,000 in startup capital to thousands of youth entrepreneurs across six counties in the North Rift region.

The event saw 9,423 young Kenyans from Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Trans‑Nzoia, Turkana, and West Pokot receive KSh 25,000 each, a package designed to kick‑start or boost small business ventures.

Of this amount, KSh 22,000 was deposited directly into beneficiaries’ Pochi La Biashara mobile wallets for business operations, while KSh 3,000 was credited into the NSSF Haba Na Haba savings account to promote a culture of savings among young entrepreneurs.

Government Targets Wider Youth Empowerment

Speaking at the launch in Uasin Gishu County, President Ruto described the NYOTA rollout as a “benchmark for transparency and inclusivity,” noting the project’s digital systems as a way to ensure fair and efficient distribution of funds.

“This initiative gives every young Kenyan an equal chance through a fully digitised process,” he said, emphasising that the programme is part of the government’s broader agenda to tackle youth unemployment and enhance enterprise development.

The NYOTA Project, backed by the World Bank, aims to empower youth with not only startup funds but also business training, mentorship and savings support — components intended to help beneficiaries build resilient enterprises.

Phase Two Disbursement and Nationwide Rollout

The launch in the Rift Valley forms part of the NYOTA Project’s Phase Two, under which nearly 50,000 youths from 27 counties nationwide are expected to receive similar startup capital of KSh 25,000 each this week, following completion of mandatory business skills training.

The schedule for disbursements includes counties across Rift Valley, Central, Eastern and Nairobi regions, signalling a significant scale‑up from earlier phases.