Thousands of youth across the country began receiving the first tranche of their start-up funds under the Nyota Programme, the government’s new youth empowerment initiative.
Excitement filled the air as recipients confirmed receipt of the funds through text messages from the programme administrators as President William Ruto officially launched the programme.
A total of 12,155 beneficiaries from Busia, Vihiga, Kakamega, and Bungoma counties, which make up the Western cluster, each received Sh25,000, marking a major milestone in its rollout.
In total, Sh267 million was scheduled for disbursement during the launch event to the beneficiaries in the four counties.
Ruto revealed that over Sh160 million had already been sent to beneficiaries’ mobile wallets.
“Dear beneficiary, you have successfully unlocked your start-up capital. Sh22,000 has been sent to your Pochi la Biashara wallet. Sh3,000 will be sent to your Zidi account,” read the message received by beneficiaries.
Nyota is a five-year flagship initiative funded by the World Bank aimed at empowering youth with capital to start and grow small businesses.
It is spearheaded by the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs, and part of the government’s wider effort to empower the youth under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
It targets young entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities and job seekers with start-up capital, mentorship, and business development training.
Ahead of the disbursement, beneficiaries underwent a rigorous selection and training process designed to equip them with the knowledge and discipline to run sustainable businesses.
MSMEs Principal Secretary Susan Mang'eni said the next phase will involve a four-month mentorship programme linking the youth to local enterprises and economic opportunities in partnership with key government agencies and financial institutions.
The disbursement brought hope and relief to many first-time entrepreneurs in the region, with several beneficiaries expressing optimism that the funds would help them expand ventures in agribusiness, retail, and digital services.
For many, the event symbolised a tangible step toward economic independence and a chance to turn ideas into income-generating activities.
Government officials praised the youth for their enthusiasm and urged them to use the funds responsibly, emphasising accountability, innovation, and community impact.
The launch marked one of the largest coordinated youth funding exercises under the Nyota initiative, signalling the administration’s resolve to empower young Kenyans and strengthen grassroots entrepreneurship.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, Governor Fernandes Barasa and representatives from the World Bank were present during the launch.
