Over 100,000 Youth to Receive Nyota Funds Starting November 7
70,000 youth from each ward will each receive Sh50,000 to start a business.
Last Updated on October 28, 2025 by PK Kasirim
More than 100,000 beneficiaries of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (Nyota) programme will begin receiving funds on Friday, November 7, the government has announced.
The World Bank–supported Sh50 billion initiative will disburse Sh50,000 each to 70 youth in every one of Kenya’s 1,450 wards to help them start business ventures.
Physical verification of applicants was conducted on Friday, October 24, at constituency headquarters, following an online aptitude test used to assess their suitability for the programme.
Speaking on Monday during the launch of the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme in Nakuru County, President William Ruto said verified beneficiaries will start receiving their allocations next week.
“I want to thank the youth of Nakuru County for turning up in large numbers during the verification process last week. Beginning Friday next week, we will start issuing the Nyota funds. Those whose documents and business ideas have been verified will each receive Sh50,000,” said President Ruto.
He confirmed that 3,850 youth from Nakuru County are among the first batch of beneficiaries.
The President further announced that the programme will be expanded to include young people who have completed training courses but are yet to obtain their academic certificates — a requirement for applying for the funds.
“Some have not even done any course, but we have a plan for them too. We will provide stipends and facilitate their training to ensure more young people acquire skills in various fields,” he added.
Ruto also noted that women and other youth groups will be integrated into the government’s procurement programmes to enable them to trade with both national and county governments.
The Nyota programme was first unveiled in August during the International Youth Day celebrations in Kakamega County and officially rolled out at the beginning of October.
Speaking on October 3 after a high-level meeting with Principal Secretaries at State House, Nairobi, Ruto said the long-promised scheme aims to invest in young people, unlock opportunities, and drive innovation and enterprise across the country.
Beneficiaries will also receive mentorship support as part of the empowerment package.
“This programme has taken time to align properly, but it is now ready to go,” the President said, referring to the delayed rollout initially scheduled for September.
On October 6, Principal Secretaries were deployed to all 47 counties to meet governors, MPs, MCAs, and grassroots leaders in a sensitisation exercise aimed at ensuring smooth implementation.
