Ruto Sets Deadline for Ksh50,000 Youth Grants Under NYOTA Programme
President William Ruto has confirmed that the government will officially begin releasing funds to beneficiaries of the World Bank-supported NYOTA Programme starting November 4.
The initiative is designed to assist young people across the country who are seeking financial support for entrepreneurship, innovation, and technical training.
Speaking during the Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, the President explained that the government, in partnership with the World Bank, has allocated Ksh20 billion to facilitate various programmes targeting the youth.
According to Ruto, the NYOTA Programme is expected to reach at least 800,000 young people nationwide through different support categories such as start-up grants, vocational training, and innovation development.
Verification Exercise to Resume
The President also announced that beginning Friday, October 24, the government will roll out a nationwide verification exercise across all 290 constituencies. This process is aimed at confirming the eligibility of applicants to ensure that only deserving youth benefit from the funds.
Ruto urged Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of County Assemblies (MCAs), and other local leaders to actively participate in the verification exercise to promote transparency and accountability.
“We have Ksh20 billion from the World Bank to give to our youth. We will be targeting 800,000 youths who will receive funding under different categories of the NYOTA project,” Ruto said.
He added:
“This coming Friday, we will be doing verification in every constituency targeting the business cohort. This will enable them to open businesses and contribute to the country’s growth.”
This announcement comes after the government postponed the earlier verification exercise that had been scheduled for Friday, October 17, 2025. The delay followed the sudden passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Wednesday, October 15.
What the Government Plans to Achieve
Under the NYOTA Programme:
- 90,000 youth will be enrolled in technical and vocational training to equip them with hands-on skills needed in today’s job market.
- The programme will also recognise prior learning, giving certificates to young people who have gained skills informally through apprenticeships or manual work, improving their chances of employment.
- Youth with an interest in small businesses and entrepreneurship will qualify for grants of Ksh50,000 each, allowing them to kickstart or expand their ventures.
- At least 100,000 young entrepreneurs are expected to benefit from this business funding component.
Empowering Youth for Economic Transformation
President Ruto reiterated that the NYOTA Programme is part of his administration’s long-term strategy to combat unemployment and promote self-reliance among the youth. He encouraged beneficiaries to use the funds wisely to establish sustainable sources of income and contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s economic growth.
The Head of State stressed that the success of the programme will depend not only on government support but also on discipline, innovation, and responsibility among the youth who receive the funds.
If implemented as planned, the NYOTA Programme could become one of the largest youth empowerment initiatives in Kenya’s history, offering thousands of young people a fair chance at financial independence and personal growth.
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