The NYOTA Project’s Business Support Component is on track to empower over 100,000 vulnerable youth across all 1,450 wards in Kenya, with a minimum of 70 beneficiaries per ward. The project has completed the nationwide rollout of the Business Support Component classroom training, which was undertaken across the Country.

The first disbursement of the Business Start-up Capital took place on 7th November 2025 for the Western Cluster, covering Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, and Bungoma counties. A total of 12,155 beneficiaries received the first tranche of Ksh. 25,000 each, of which Ksh. 3,000 was allocated to savings, bringing the total disbursement to Ksh. 303,875,000. We are now rolling out the 2nd phase of disbursement, targeting 27 counties starting from Thursday, 8th January 2026, to Friday, 16th January 2026, for successful beneficiaries who completed the mandatory three-day business skills training. These countries are: Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Trans-Nzoia, Turkana, West Pokot, Nakuru, Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Baringo, Laikipia, Isiolo, Samburu, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Nairobi, Kiambu and Kajiado.

Close to 50,000 beneficiaries will each receive Kshs. 22,000 as a deposit to their NYOTA Pochi la Biashara wallet, while an additional Kshs. 3,000 will be deposited into their Haba na Haba account under NSSF. All NYOTA Project business grant beneficiaries will further benefit from a two-month mentorship programme delivered by business development experts and local entrepreneurs, providing them with guided entry into local business ecosystems and markets.The beneficiaries will further undertake a second phase of Business Development Support training, to prepare them for the 2nd tranche of disbursement of the business grant.