Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced a major relief for young people planning to start businesses in the city, in a move aimed at supporting youth entrepreneurship and reducing the cost of doing business.
Speaking on Monday, January 19, at Kasarani Stadium during the distribution of the NYOTA Fund, Sakaja said that youths who benefit from the programme and set up their businesses within Nairobi will not be required to pay for business permits and licenses for the first two years of operation.
The event brought together young people from Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kajiado counties, who were receiving start-up capital under the government-backed NYOTA programme.
Sakaja explained that the waiver is designed to give young entrepreneurs enough time to stabilise their businesses before they are required to start paying county fees and taxes.
According to the governor, the decision is part of a broader plan to encourage entrepreneurship, create employment opportunities, and boost economic growth among the youth in Nairobi.
He noted that many young people have good business ideas but are often discouraged by the high cost of permits and licenses required to operate legally.
“We will get the list of beneficiaries from Nairobi, and we will make sure that all business permits and licenses are waived for the first two years. You will not be harassed or intimidated by county council officers,” Sakaja said.
He further revealed that the Nairobi County Government, in partnership with the national government, is constructing modern markets across the city.
These markets are meant to provide young traders with safe, organised, and spacious areas where they can run their businesses without fear of eviction or harassment.
Sakaja explained that the move to waive business fees came after repeated complaints from young entrepreneurs.
Many had raised concerns that while the government provides start-up capital, the same youths are later burdened with high permit and licensing costs, making it difficult for their businesses to survive in the early stages.
With the waiver expected to take effect immediately, beneficiaries will not be required to pay county charges such as monthly or annual business license fees for two years.
Despite the waiver, the businesses will still be fully recognised and legally registered, allowing the youths to operate without fear as they grow their ventures.
The governor urged young people to take the opportunity seriously, noting that the government’s support is meant to help them succeed and eventually contribute to the city’s economy through job creation and tax payments once they are stable.
Observers say the move is likely to attract more youth-led businesses into Nairobi, strengthening the city’s position as a centre for innovation, small enterprises, and youth-driven economic activity.
The NYOTA programme was launched by President William Ruto to support young Kenyans who want to venture into business by providing them with seed capital.
The government aims to empower more than 800,000 youths nationwide, with each eligible participant set to receive up to Ksh50,000 as business funding.
President Ruto has been touring different parts of the country overseeing the distribution of the funds, which he has clarified are grants and not loans. The Kasarani event marked the turn of youths from Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kajiado counties.
During the event, the government disbursed more than Ksh700 million to the youths. Each beneficiary received up to Ksh25,000 as initial capital, with the remaining amount expected to be released after the businesses are established and operational.
The initiative, combined with the waiver of business licenses in Nairobi, is expected to significantly reduce barriers for young entrepreneurs and give them a stronger foundation to succeed.
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