President Ruto Rallies Government Behind NYOTA Youth Business Programme Ahead of National Rollout

President William Ruto has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering young Kenyans through enterprise, as the government prepares to roll out the NYOTA Youth Business Support Programme across all 47 counties.

Speaking at State House Nairobi, where he convened a high-level meeting with Principal Secretaries, President Ruto said a whole-of-government approach is being adopted to ensure the seamless and impactful implementation of the initiative. The programme, which is being launched in partnership with the World Bank, is poised to benefit 100,000 youth across the country.

“To guarantee the NYOTA programme's success, we are bringing together all arms of government — from national to county level — in a coordinated and inclusive manner,” said President Ruto. “This is about transforming lives through economic empowerment.”

On Monday, October 6, all Principal Secretaries will be deployed to various counties to meet with governors, members of Parliament, county assembly representatives, and local administrators including chiefs. These meetings will focus on sensitising grassroots leaders and youth about the programme, and ensuring that its implementation aligns with county-level development priorities.

At the heart of NYOTA is a bold economic empowerment model. Through the programme, KSh50,000 business grants will be provided to each of 70 young people selected from every one of the country's 1,450 wards. The funds are intended to help them start or scale up small businesses, fostering entrepreneurship and driving innovation at the grassroots level.

The President stressed that by involving leaders from the Executive, Legislature, and county governments, the programme will uphold the values of transparency, fairness, and inclusivity.

“This is not just a grant. It’s a chance for young Kenyans to take control of their futures,” he said. “Through NYOTA, we are investing in our youth — in their ideas, their energy, and their dreams. This is how we build a Kenya of shared prosperity.”

The KSh5 billion programme is funded through a strategic partnership between the Government of Kenya and the World Bank, marking one of the largest coordinated youth-focused economic support initiatives in the country’s history.

President Ruto noted that the NYOTA programme is part of the broader Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to uplift communities through inclusive economic development, support for MSMEs, and job creation.

“As we roll out NYOTA, our message to young people is clear: we believe in you, we are backing your hustle, and we are ready to walk this journey with you,” the President concluded.

The nationwide rollout is expected to generate excitement among youth groups, especially those in underserved regions, as the government takes decisive steps to turn policy into real, life-changing impact.