A business start-up capital disbursement in Samburu came alive on Tuesday when a young NYOTA Project beneficiary amused President William Ruto and other guests with a witty explanation of how he planned to spend his funds, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd.
The event, held at Archers Post, saw youth from four counties receive the funds.
Sailo Lekanapa, one of the 4,159 youth supported under the programme, described the selection process as fair and transparent.
When asked how he planned to use his share of Sh22,000, Lekanapa said he had several ideas, but one stood out.
“I have a lot of plans, but first, I want to thank the national government and the Samburu county government,” he told the audience.
“I live in Lengusaka, where we have a market. My first plan is to start a goat business. With this money, I want to buy goats and sell them.”
He added, “But there is something I want to tell you, President. Tomorrow, because it is our market day in Lengusaka, I want to go and buy goats, and the first supply I deliver will be to you at State House.”
The crowd erupted in laughter, joined by President Ruto, his Deputy, and Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit.
“Aiya, tutaongea hapo kwa tent…asante sana, my friend,” the President responded with a chuckle, acknowledging the young entrepreneur’s bold gesture.
The event marked the disbursement of Sh103,975,000 under the NYOTA Project, a government initiative aimed at supporting youth-led businesses in Samburu, Isiolo, Laikipia, and Marsabit counties.
Each beneficiary received Sh25,000 to either start or expand their ventures, with Sh22,000 deposited directly into the Pochi La Biashara account to fund business operations and Sh3,000 saved under the Haba Na Haba savings account with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
Officials said the programme is designed to foster entrepreneurship, create employment opportunities, and enhance economic participation among young people in northern Kenya.
The initiative also aims to strengthen local markets by empowering youth to contribute to supply chains and stimulate business growth.
For Lekanapa, the NYOTA funds represent not just capital but also a platform to give back to his community and even pursue playful ambitions, such as delivering his first goats to the President.
NYOTA funds are government-issued grants financed through the World Bank, targeting youth aged 18 to 29, and up to 35 for persons with disabilities.
Successful applicants receive Sh50,000, though only half the amount is disbursed initially to enable beneficiaries to kick-start their ventures.
The disbursement, accompanied by mentorship forums, began on January 8 in Eldoret and was expected to run for a week.
The ongoing distribution across 27 counties marks Phase Two of the programme, following a successful pilot in November 2025, which saw more than 12,000 young entrepreneurs in Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, and Bungoma counties receive start-up capital.
President Ruto has also visited Nakuru, Nanyuki, and Nyeri counties as part of the rollout.
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