By Steve Sabai,
Principal Secretary for the State Department for MSME Development, Ms. Susan Mang’eni, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to youth empowerment and enterprise development, announcing significant progress in the implementation of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project.
Speaking during a status update on the programme, Mang’eni revealed that 122,147 youth drawn from all 1,450 wards across Kenya have already benefited from the NYOTA Business Support Component through Business Development Services (BDS) training, mentorship, and the first tranche of start-up capital.
The PS noted that the programme is delivering tangible results, with findings from the first mentorship cycle and second BDS training showing that more than 99 % of beneficiaries who received start-up capital have successfully established businesses.
She described the achievement as a strong indicator of the entrepreneurial potential that exists among Kenya’s youth when provided with the right skills, guidance, and financial support.
Mang’eni also addressed concerns raised by beneficiaries regarding the delay in the disbursement of the second tranche of start-up capital. According to the PS, the delay was occasioned by budgetary adjustments following the expansion of the programme to accommodate more young people across the country.
However, she assured beneficiaries that the Government remains fully committed to the initiative and that all eligible youth will receive the second tranche of funding before 30 June 2026.
“The Government appreciates the patience and continued support of beneficiaries and stakeholders as we work towards completing the next phase of implementation,” Mang’eni said.
She further urged beneficiaries and members of the public to obtain information only from official NYOTA communication channels to avoid misinformation and ensure they receive authentic updates regarding the programme.
Mang’eni was accompanied during the briefing by MSEA Chief Executive Officer Mr. Henry Rithaa, Dr. Moses Banda of the Presidential Economic Transformation Secretariat (PETS), and MSMEs Secretary Mr. Mohammed Doyo.
The NYOTA Project remains a key pillar of the Government’s efforts to create economic opportunities for young people, nurture entrepreneurship, and strengthen Kenya’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises sector.
