President William Ruto delivered a stern caution to the first cohort of beneficiaries of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme on Friday, November 7, 2025.
Speaking during the official launch at the Mumias Sports Complex in Kakamega County, the President warned recipients against diverting the business start-up capital towards frivolous spending, such as leisure or alcohol.
The President emphasised that the funds were specifically meant for growing sustainable enterprises.
“Please my friends, the money you are given here today is for you to use it in your enterprise in your business so that you can elevate youcan grow it youcan expand it,” the President stressed.
He further added: “Tafadhali nisipate report ya kwamba kuna mtu alichukua pesa akaenda akafanya mapenzi ama akanunua pombe” (Please let me not receive a report that someone took the money and went to have sex or bought alcohol).
Record Disbursement Kicks Off
The launch marked a significant milestone for the five-year youth empowerment initiative, which is funded by the World Bank. During the event, a massive disbursement exercise was initiated for the Western cluster counties.
According to the President, a total of 12,155 beneficiaries from Busia, Vihiga, Kakamega, and Bungoma counties were scheduled to receive funds.
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Each beneficiary was granted Sh25,000 in start-up capital. In total, Sh267 million was scheduled for disbursement.
During the ceremony itself, President Ruto revealed that over Sh160 million had already been sent to beneficiaries' mobile wallets.
The recipients received a text reading: “Dear beneficiary, you have successfully unlocked your start-up capital. Sh22,000 has been sent to your Pochi la Biashara wallet. Sh3,000 will be sent to your Zidi account”. The Sh3,000 portion is dedicated to a savings account.
Focus on Accountability
The President implored the youth to utilise the money judiciously, reminding them that the funds originated from a World Bank loan that the Kenyan government must repay later.
He stated that while the beneficiaries themselves are not required to repay the government, they must “use it wisely” to build their businesses.
Government officials present also praised the youth and urged them to use the funds responsibly, highlighting the need for accountability and innovation.
NYOTA Programme Background
NYOTA is a crucial part of the government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The programme targets young entrepreneurs, particularly those without formal education or certificates, persons with disabilities, and job seekers.
The initiative provides capital, mentorship, and business development training. It is spearheaded by the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs.
The programme is designed as a scale-up of the previous KOP programme to ensure greater inclusivity across all constituencies and wards in Kenya.
In attendance at the launch were Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, and World Bank Country Director Mr. Shimao Fan.
The administration has committed to reaching every identified beneficiary—a total of 110,000 young people—within the next 10 days to two weeks. This disbursement brings hope to first-time entrepreneurs eager to expand ventures in sectors like agribusiness, retail, and digital services.
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