Youths from Kirinyaga Central Constituency queuing to verify their details for the Nyota programme, October 24, 2025. /KNAMore 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 took place on Friday, October 24, at constituency headquarters, following an online aptitude test that assessed 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 the next phase will see verified beneficiaries receive their allocations starting Friday next week.
“I want to thank the youth of Nakuru County for showing up in numbers during the verification process last week. So now, Friday next week is when we will start issuing the Nyota funds. Those whose papers and business ideas were verified, we will give you Sh50,000,” Ruto said.
He confirmed that 3,850 youth from Nakuru county are part of the first batch of beneficiaries.
The President added that the programme will be expanded to accommodate young people who have completed various training courses but have yet to obtain their academic certificates, which are required to apply for the funds.
“Some have not even done any course, but we have a plan to also help them. We will give them stipends and help them undergo training to ensure that we enable many youths to be proficient in various courses,” he said.
He added that women and other categories of youth will also be integrated into the government procurement programme to enable them to trade with both the national and county governments.
The Nyota programme was unveiled in August during the International Youth Day celebrations in Kakamega County by President Ruto and officially rolled out at the start 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 enterprise and innovation across the country.
Beneficiaries will also receive mentorship.
“This programme has taken time to align properly, but it is now ready to go,” Ruto said, referring to the delayed rollout initially planned for September.
On October 6, Principal Secretaries were dispatched to all 47 counties to meet governors, MPs, MCAs, and grassroots leaders in a sensitisation exercise to ensure smooth implementation.
The President emphasised that involving leaders from the Executive, Legislature, and county governments would promote fairness and transparency.
“Every young person deserves a fair chance. By engaging leaders at every level, we are ensuring that this process is transparent and that no one is left behind,” Ruto said.
