NYOTA Explains How Kenyans Can Access KSh36,000 as It Warns Against Fake KSh200 Charges

The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme has moved swiftly to clear the air over misleading claims that Kenyans must pay KSh200 to access the KSh36,000 support fund.

According to the programme, the information being shared online is completely false and meant to scam unsuspecting members of the public.

In a statement issued on Sunday, NYOTA firmly denied reports suggesting that applicants are required to send money through a paybill or till number to improve their chances of receiving the World Bank-backed support.

The clarification came after a fake poster widely circulated on social media from March 29, falsely claiming that citizens could unlock the funds after making the payment.

NYOTA stressed that it does not operate any till number or paybill account, and all its services remain fully free of charge. The agency urged Kenyans to ignore the fraudulent message and instead use the official *USSD code 254# to access legitimate programme services.

Officials warned that fraudsters are taking advantage of the public’s interest in the youth empowerment initiative to steal money through fake promises.

The fake artwork was designed to look convincing, even carrying the Daily Nation logo alongside an image of William Ruto.

It also featured bold wording claiming that the President had announced direct support for citizens, a tactic clearly meant to mislead hopeful applicants into believing the advert was genuine.

NYOTA is a major government youth empowerment initiative in Kenya that focuses on helping young people build sustainable livelihoods through startup capital, grants, business training, and mentorship support.

The programme mainly targets unemployed youth aged 18 to 29, while the age limit is extended to 35 years for persons living with disabilities.

Its main goal is to equip beneficiaries with business skills, workplace exposure, and seed capital to help them start or grow small enterprises.

The project especially prioritises young Kenyans with Form Four education or below, offering them a chance to benefit from six months of on-the-job training before receiving support to venture into small business opportunities.

This phased structure is intended to ensure proper oversight, accountability, and effective use of the funds.

Because the rollout is being conducted in stages across different counties, scammers have increasingly tried to exploit the process by inventing non-existent shortcuts, registration fees, and fake incentives.

NYOTA has now cautioned Kenyans to remain vigilant and verify all information through official government communication channels before taking action.

In an additional warning, the programme also clarified that it does not have any mobile application and does not issue loans, contrary to other false claims circulating online.

NYOTA emphasised once again that every service under the project is free, and no Kenyan should pay any money at any stage of the application or disbursement process.

President William Ruto oversaw the nationwide expansion of the programme in November 2025, with the first phases covering counties in the Western and Mount Kenya regions, including Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Nairobi, and Kiambu. By early January 2026, the programme had expanded further into more counties as the government accelerated youth funding efforts.

The initiative has since spread to Nyanza and Rift Valley counties, where Kisumu hosted a major disbursement event benefiting youth from Siaya, Kisumu, and Homa Bay.

In Northern Kenya, beneficiaries in Garissa and Mandera have already received support, while Wajir is expected to be included in the final phase of the rollout, ensuring wider national coverage and giving more young Kenyans access to economic opportunities.

This latest warning serves as an important reminder for Kenyans to be cautious of fraudulent online posters, fake payment requests, and unofficial apps, especially when government funding programmes attract high public interest.

Anyone seeking NYOTA services should only rely on the official *USSD code 254# and verified government announcements.

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