NYOTA Disburses Sh258m to Boost Youth Enterprises in Three Counties

The Government has disbursed  Sh258.4 million to support youth-led enterprises in Nairobi, Kiambu and Kajiado counties under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, in a move aimed at accelerating youth participation in economic development.

Speaking during the disbursement forum held at Kasarani Sports Centre, President William Ruto said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that young people, regardless of background, location or level of education, are given a fair opportunity to contribute to Kenya’s economic transformation.

The NYOTA Project is expected to benefit more than 820,000 youth countrywide, offering structured support that includes business start-up capital, skills development, certification, mentorship and savings mobilisation.

At the centre of the programme’s implementation is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), Mr Henry Rithaa, who has played a key role in steering government interventions targeting the micro and small enterprise sector.

Under Mr Rithaa’s leadership, MSEA has focused on formalisation of informal businesses, financial inclusion and strategic partnerships, positioning micro and small enterprises as a critical pillar of national economic growth. His tenure has seen enhanced coordination of state-backed financing programmes aimed at cushioning and expanding small businesses.

Mr Rithaa has also overseen the rollout of several flagship initiatives supporting youth and women entrepreneurs. These include the NYOTA Project and the Wezesha Mama, Inua Jamii programme, which provides tools and machinery to women and youth engaged in value-addition sectors such as shoemaking and textiles.

His work has attracted national recognition. In 2024, Mr Rithaa was ranked second best in a national leadership survey conducted by Microtrak Africa for his impact on the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector, and was later listed among Kenya’s top parastatal leaders in 2025.

Officials say the latest NYOTA disbursement is expected to strengthen enter