The government has earmarked a total of Ksh105.6 billion in the 2025/2026 national budget to support young people, hustlers, and small enterprises across the country.
While presenting the budget in the National Assembly on Thursday, June 12, Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) John Mbadi explained that the allocation is intended to empower the youth, boost entrepreneurship, and expand job opportunities.
As part of the budget breakdown, Ksh10 billion has been set aside for the National Youth Service (NYS) to facilitate training and recruitment of young people into national development programs. The NYS will use these funds to enroll more youth and equip them with practical skills.
Mbadi also revealed a significant increase in funding for youth entrepreneurship. The Youth Enterprise Development Fund, which provides loans to young entrepreneurs, will get an additional Ksh318 million, bringing more opportunities for youth-led businesses to grow and thrive.
Later in his statement, he also proposed an extra Ksh308 million to further enhance the fund’s reach and effectiveness.
In the creative industry, the government has allocated Ksh990 million through the Film Development Services to support local talent and entertainment ventures. This funding is expected to support filmmakers, actors, and other creatives as part of the broader strategy to grow Kenya’s creative economy.
CS Mbadi also highlighted the National Youth Opportunity Towards Advancement (NYOTA) program, which is set to receive Ksh3.6 billion. The program aims to provide a structured platform for the youth to access training, mentorship, and job opportunities that prepare them for long-term careers and self-reliance.
“I have proposed a total of Ksh105.6 billion for youth-focused and small business initiatives. This includes Ksh10 billion for NYS, Ksh3.6 billion for the NYOTA program, Ksh318 million for the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, and **Ksh990 million for Film Development Services,” CS Mbadi said during his address.
He further noted the government’s commitment to expanding access to credit through the Hustler Fund, proposing an additional Ksh300 million for the initiative.
The Hustler Fund provides affordable loans to households, startups, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), easing their financial constraints and enabling them to expand operations or start new ventures.
“The additional Ksh300 million for the Hustler Fund is intended to scale up access to credit, especially for MSMEs and households struggling to find financing from traditional sources,” he said.
According to Mbadi, all these financial commitments are aimed at increasing employment, promoting innovation, and fostering inclusive economic growth by creating more opportunities for Kenyans, particularly the youth.
To further address youth unemployment, CS Mbadi announced the nationwide rollout of a new jobs initiative dubbed Climate WorX. The program, first piloted in Nairobi’s informal settlements last year, is now being expanded to all 47 counties. It seeks to provide employment for over 110,000 young people.
Mbadi described Climate WorX as a social support program designed to empower youth by engaging them in community development work.
Under this initiative, young people will be involved in projects such as building roads, planting trees, cleaning neighborhoods, and contributing to environmental conservation.
“This program gives the youth a chance to earn an income while helping to improve the communities they live in. It’s about building the nation while also building their futures,” CS Mbadi explained.
In conclusion, CS Mbadi emphasized that the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and small business development is central to its economic agenda.
He expressed confidence that the new budget will significantly improve access to financing, job creation, and business support for millions of Kenyans, especially those in underserved areas.
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