Mt Kenya leaders led by Sports PS Elijah Mwangi (third left), Lands CS Alice Wahome, Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru and Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui at Ihura stadium on July 10, 2026/ ALICE WAITHERA
Over 7,000 youths from Murang’a, Kirinyaga and Nyeri counties have received funding under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme as the government moved to boost entrepreneurship and job creation among young people.
Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome said the second phase of the programme had benefited 7,055 youths from the three counties, with the beneficiaries receiving a total of Sh176.3 million in funding.
“The doubting Thomases should now stop talking and support the youth. This programme is the beginning, and we want other governors to join the national government by supporting the youth through cash transfers, investment opportunities and linking them with commercial banks,” Wahome said.
Speaking during the disbursement ceremony at Ihura Stadium in Murang’a, Wahome said 2,988 youths from Murang’a, 1,828 from Kirinyaga and 2,239 from Nyeri had benefited from the latest phase of the programme.
She said in Murang’a, 2,278 continuing beneficiaries received their second tranche, while 710 new beneficiaries received their first disbursement, amounting to Sh74.7 million.
“In the first phase, we gave disbursements to 5,294 beneficiaries and promised that we would return for the second batch. Today, we are adding more beneficiaries in Nyeri, Kirinyaga and Murang’a, bringing the total number receiving money today to 7,055,” Wahome said.
Murang'a residents attending the NYOTA grant disbursement exercise at Ihura Stadium in Murang'a town on July 10, 2026/ ALICE WAITHERA
Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui encouraged the beneficiaries to use the funds to build sustainable businesses, noting that many successful entrepreneurs started with small ventures before expanding.
“The government has come up with a programme that gives young people hope. Whether you want to start a barbershop, salon or a small business, you can begin from there and grow. There is also training to ensure you understand how to run a business and expand it,” Kinyanjui said.
In Kirinyaga, 1,267 continuing beneficiaries received their second tranche while 562 new beneficiaries received their first disbursement, bringing the total allocation to Sh45.7 million. Nyeri received Sh55.9 million, with 1,705 continuing beneficiaries and 623 new beneficiaries.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru pledged to top up the funds for beneficiaries from the county by Sh10,000 each, saying the additional support would help young people expand their businesses.
“We have money set aside in the county budget for empowerment. This year we have Sh90 million for young people to do business, and those benefiting from NYOTA will also receive a boost from us,” Waiguru said.
The governor also urged youths to embrace small beginnings and work hard to grow their enterprises, noting that many successful businesses started from humble backgrounds.
The NYOTA programme targets young people aged between 18 and 29 years, and up to 35 years for persons with disabilities. It seeks to promote self-employment through business training, mentorship, startup capital and market access.
Nationally, the programme is expected to benefit 122,203 youths, with the government set to disburse Sh3.05 billion. Each beneficiary receives Sh25,000, including Sh3,000 set aside for savings.
