Eugine Wabwile 
BY FLORENCE SIMIYU.
More than 9,500 young entrepreneurs have benefited from the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme, out of 88,000 youths who applied across six devolved units.
Launching the second phase of the project in Eldoret, President William Ruto said successful applicants have received 22,000 shillings deposited into their NYOTA mobile wallets, alongside an additional 3,000 shillings credited to their National Social Security Fund (NSSF) savings accounts.The latest disbursement was carried out in Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Trans-Nzoia, Turkana, and West Pokot counties, targeting young people seeking capital to start or expand their business ventures.
President Ruto said the programme is part of the government’s broader plan to economically empower the youth, noting that young people are central to Kenya’s ambition of attaining first-world economic status.He further assured unsuccessful applicants that the government plans to roll out five additional youth-focused programmes to ensure more young people access funding and economic opportunities.On education, the President dismissed concerns over delays in school funding, assuring Kenyans that learners will receive full capitation for the first term of the 2026 academic calendar.
The NYOTA programme is set to expand to Nakuru, Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Baringo, Laikipia, Isiolo, and Homa Bay counties in the next phase.
