PRESIDENT RUTO LAUNCHES 2ND COHORT OF BUSINESS SUPPORT COMPONENT FOR THE NORTH RIFT

The Government of Kenya, through the World Bank–financed National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, has launched the second cohort of the Business Support Component for the North Rift Region at Eldoret Sports Club in Uasin Gishu County. The launch marked the commencement of Phase Two of the Business Support Component, targeting 9,423 youth beneficiaries drawn from Uasin Gishu, Nandi, West Pokot, Turkana, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties. Graced by H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, beneficiaries received Ksh. 22,000 was directly deposited into their NYOTA Pochi la Biashara wallet, with an additional Ksh. 3,000 channeled to the Haba Haba savings scheme through the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). President Ruto underscored the importance of discipline, prudent financial management, and resilience in sustaining businesses amid changing market dynamics. He drew on his personal entrepreneurial journey, recalling how he began with minimal capital, selling chickens before expanding into a business empire that now employs thousands. The President further assured youth that beneficiary selection was conducted through a transparent and fair process, giving all eligible youth an equal opportunity to participate. The launch was attended by Cabinet Secretaries Hon. Salim Mvurya (Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports) and Hon. Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya, EGH (Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises), North Rift leaders, and development partners. They urged the youth to use the funds responsibly and avoid betting or gambling. CS Oparanya clarified that the Business Support funds will not be affected by Fuliza or Hustler Funds, assuring that every beneficiary will receive their full allocation without deductions. Regional leaders present included Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim, Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, Senator Jackson Mandago, MPs Oscar Sudi, Allan Chesang, and Julius Ruto, as well as Woman Representative Gladys Shollei. The governors pledged to waive business license fees for beneficiaries and provide additional support, including access to County Biashara Funds, stalls, and AGPO-linked tenders and internships. NYOTA Project is a World Bank-financed Government of Kenya initiative aimed at enhancing youth employability, enterprise development, and youth savings. It targets unemployed youth aged 18–29 years, and up to 35 years for persons with disabilities. Implemented through a multi-agency approach, the project is coordinated by the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, with collaboration from the State Departments for Labour and Skills Development, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development, National Industrial Training Authority, National Employment Authority, Micro and Small Enterprises Authority, and National Social Security Fund. Phase Two of the NYOTA Business Support Component runs from January 8th to 16th, 2026, covering 27 counties: 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. Beneficiaries will participate in a two-month mentorship program, receiving structured business development support from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts. This will be followed by a second phase of Business Development Support (BDS) training to prepare participants for the next tranche of business grants. Phase Three will cover Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River, Mombasa, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Nyamira, Kisii, Marsabit, Garissa, Mandera, and Wajir counties, with implementation details to be communicated in due course. The On-the-Job Experience (OJE) intervention will roll out in seven counties—Nakuru, Kericho, Bomet, Kisii, Nyamira, Homa Bay, and Narok—where approximately 14,000 beneficiaries will undergo mandatory Social Emotional Skills Development (SESD) training to enhance workplace readiness and employability. Through its comprehensive support and mentorship, the NYOTA Project continues to transform the lives of thousands of youth, fostering entrepreneurship and employment opportunities across all 47 counties.