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Inside Ruto’s programme that will see youths receive Ksh50K grant
04th October, 2025 11:50 AM
President William Ruto has revealed that his administration has adopted a whole-of-government approach for the nationwide roll-out of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme.
In a meeting with Principal Secretaries at State House, Nairobi, on Friday, October 3, 2025, Ruto explained that this measure is meant to guarantee smooth and transparent implementation of the programme.
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At the time, he pointed out that by bringing together leaders from the executive, legislature and county governments, the government is making the programme inclusive.
“This is coming as a result of being deliberate about doing something about employment, empowerment and engagement with young people,” Ruto said.
Worth noting, according to the Head of State, the programme, which is a partnership between the government and the World Bank, is a flagship youth empowerment initiative valued at Ksh5 billion.
Likewise, the Youth Programme is designed to support 100,000 young people across the country, with 70 beneficiaries drawn from each of Kenya’s 1,450 wards.
On the other hand, each successful applicant is expected to receive a Ksh50,000 grant to kick-start their entrepreneurial ventures, opening up opportunities in business and enterprise.
Additionally, President Ruto said the programme will also involve 90,000 youth who will be trained to gain job experience, 20,000 on recognition of prior learning, and another 600,000 who will be trained on Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO).
NYOTA rollout preparation
Ruto announced that on Monday, October 6, 2025, the PSs will be having talks with governors, Members of Parliament and county assemblies, and chiefs to sensitise them on the programme and map out a national rollout of the project.
In addition, the Head of State also noted that the meeting will align all stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of the programme across the country.
Ruto also revealed that NYOTA is part of a broader agenda to create meaningful opportunities for young people. Alongside affordable housing, labour mobility and digital jobs, NYOTA will empower the next generation of drivers of innovation and expand enterprise.
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) PS Susan Mang’eni, under whose State Department the Ksh5 billion business support programme of NYOTA is placed, said the project is designed to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable youth.
Ms Mang’eni pointed out that the project is aimed at improving youth employability, expanding job opportunities, supporting a youth savings culture, and enhancing youth entrepreneurs’ access to markets.
“We target to benefit young people in all wards. It is gender-inclusive, with emphasis on 50-50 gender parity,” she said.
