Poll: 46 per cent of Kenyans believe there is no fairness in Nyota Fund

An opinion poll has revealed a near-even split among Kenyans on whether the eligibility criteria for the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Fund are fair.

According to Infotrak Research and Consulting, 46 per cent of respondents believe there is no fairness in the criteria, while 44 per cent consider them fair. Ten per cent of those surveyed were unsure.

Regional disparities were evident in the findings. The Coast region recorded the highest proportion of respondents who perceive unfairness, with 56 per cent expressing this view, compared to 36 per cent who believe the criteria are fair, and seven per cent who were undecided.

In contrast, North Eastern Kenya had the highest percentage of people who believe the fund is administered fairly, at 58 per cent, with 33 per cent dissenting and 8 per cent unsure.

Gender differences were also noted. More women than men felt the criteria were unfair, at 50 per cent and 44 per cent respectively, while more men than women considered the system fair, with 47 per cent of males and 41 per cent of females expressing this opinion.

The poll, sponsored and financed by Infotrak Research and Consulting, was conducted on January 24, 2026, with a sample size of 800 adult Kenyans.

The sampling frame used Population Proportionate to Size, guided by the 2019 census, and covered all 47 counties.

The results carry a margin of error of ±3.46 per cent at a 95 per cent confidence level.

The NYOTA Project is a five-year initiative by the Government of Kenya, financed by the World Bank, aimed at unlocking the potential of Kenya’s youth by addressing unemployment, expanding income-generating opportunities, and fostering a culture of savings and entrepreneurship. It targets 820,000 unemployed youth aged 18–29, and up to 35 for persons with disabilities, with a Form 4 level of education or below.

The programme operates through four key interventions. First, it improves youth employability, equipping 90,000 young people with in-demand skills and certifying 20,000 through recognition of prior learning, guided by real-time labor market data.

Second, it expands employment opportunities, supporting 110,000 young entrepreneurs with training, business capital, mentorship, and financial linkages.

Third, it encourages youth savings, equipping 190,000 beneficiaries with financial literacy and saving incentives.

Finally, it strengthens youth employment systems, enhancing coordination and capacity across ministries, agencies, and counties, and providing digital training to 600,000 youth on accessing government opportunities.

The poll highlighted ongoing perceptions and challenges surrounding the administration of youth empowerment initiatives in Kenya, providing critical insights for policymakers seeking to ensure transparency, equity, and effectiveness in programmes like NYOTA.