By Eddah Waithaka
The Kenyan government is empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs with the launch of the NYOTA Business Support Program.
This nationwide initiative provides young Kenyans with a Sh50,000 non-refundable grant to start or grow their businesses.
Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya announced the program, clarifying that the funds are a grant, not a loan.
“The Sh50,000 gives young people a foundation to grow their businesses without the burden of repayment,” he stated.
To ensure transparency, the government trained local chiefs to monitor beneficiaries and submit monthly progress reports. The program also includes a mandatory savings component to instill financial discipline.
“We are not just providing money; we are building capacity,” Oparanya emphasized. Each beneficiary will receive intensive training and four months of mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs.
The program recorded over 200,000 applications. Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni confirmed the government is creating a national database of all applicants for future support, even for those not selected in this phase.
The NYOTA program forms a key part of the government’s strategy to reduce youth unemployment and stimulate grassroots economic growth across Kenya.
