We’ve allocated Sh28 billion to boost small-scale businesses - Kindiki

Small-scale businesses across the 1,450 wards will benefit from the programme

by Allan Kisia

News21 May 2025 - 17:10

In Summary

Each ward will see 70 small-scale businesses receive grants of Sh50,000 to boost their operations.
“Many people think Sh50,000 is not impactful enough, but for someone who has stock worth Sh10,000, it will greatly improve their business.”

The government has unveiled an economic stimulus initiative aimed at empowering grassroots enterprises, setting aside Sh28 billion to support small-scale businesses across the country's 1,450 wards.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, speaking on Wednesday at the Empowerment Forum for Small-Scale Traders in Lari Constituency, Kiambu County, announced that the funds would be disbursed under the newly launched National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme.

“We are in the business of transforming Kenya from the grassroots. It is not an easy thing to do but we are fully committed to doing it. It will take time, but we are focused on it,” said Prof. Kindiki.

Each ward will see 70 small-scale businesses receive grants of Sh50,000 to boost their operations. The initiative, he said, is part of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s broader agenda to uplift the informal sector and stimulate local economies.

“The NYOTA programme will transform the country significantly and for good. Many people think Sh50,000 is not impactful enough, but for someone who has stock worth Sh10,000, it will greatly improve their business,” the Deputy President explained.

Kindiki also emphasised the government’s ongoing efforts to steer clear of premature political distractions, urging Kenyans to focus on holding elected leaders accountable for service delivery.

“Don’t be lied to that we have not done anything. We have done a lot to stabilise the economy, to improve earnings for farmers, to create jobs and opportunities for our youth,” he said.

The Deputy President also noted the reduction in the price of essential commodities such as maize flour (unga) and improved prices for key cash crops including coffee, tea, and milk as signs of economic recovery.

The NYOTA programme is expected to begin rolling out in the coming months, with local administrative offices coordinating the identification and support of eligible businesses.

Kindiki expressed optimism that the initiative will spark a new wave of economic resilience from the ward level upwards.