]PHOTOS] Huge turnout as Ruto launches Nyota programme in Mumias

Excitement filled the air as recipients confirmed receipt of the funds through text messages.

by JAMES GICHIGI

News07 November 2025 - 17:25

In Summary

Ruto said the Nyota programme is a key part of the government’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young people
He highlighted that the programme includes structured apprenticeship and employment placements.

Audio By Vocalize

Performers entertain crowd as President William Ruto presides over Nyota programme launch in Mumias Sports Complex, Kakamega on November 7, 2025/PCS

Hundreds of young people on Friday flocked the Mumias Sports Complex in Kakamega County as President William Ruto officially launched the Nyota programme in the county.

The initiative is aimed at empowering youth with skills, job opportunities and access to financial support.

The large turnout underscored growing interest among the youth in empowerment schemes, particularly those linked to enterprise and talent development.

President Ruto, accompanied by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and other leaders, received an enthusiastic welcome with the youth expressing hopes of benefiting from the programme.

Excitement filled the air as recipients confirmed receipt of the funds through text messages from the programme administrators as the programme was launched.

Speaking during the event, President Ruto said the Nyota programme is a key part of the government’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young people across the country possessing practical skills or talent.

He highlighted that the programme includes structured apprenticeship and employment placements, frameworks for recognising existing skills, and pathways for youth to do business with government.

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.