President William Ruto has announced the disbursement of Sh250 million to more than 9,500 young people in Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, and West Pokot counties through the Nyota Business Start-Up Capital Programme.
Under the programme, each beneficiary received Sh22,000 to grow their small businesses.Â
In addition, Sh3,000 was deposited into each young entrepreneur’s savings account at the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) to encourage financial discipline and long-term savings.
Speaking during the Nyota North Rift Cluster Business Start-Up Capital event in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, President Ruto outlined additional support measures under the Nyota programme:
- 20,000 young people will undergo the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) component, including a government-funded certification course of up to one month to facilitate employment opportunities.
- 90,000 youths will participate in on-the-job training, attached to master craftsmen and women for skills transfer, while receiving a KSh6,000 monthly stipend for six months. The master craftsmen will also be compensated, with certification costs covered by the government.
- 600,000 young people, women, and persons with disabilities will be trained to access 30% of government procurement opportunities reserved for these categories.
President Ruto emphasized that these measures, together with programmes on labour mobility, affordable housing, market and hostel development, and expansion of digital jobs, are part of a broader strategy to combat unemployment and reduce poverty in Kenya.
