How Ruto intends to push more youth to entrepreneurship with Ksh50K boost
By Joel Masibo, October 3, 2025President William Ruto has committed to resolving the youth unemployment crisis by leveraging the Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises among young people nationwide.
Speaking during the roll-out of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) project at the State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Ruto asked Principal Secretaries to prepare for the nationwide implementation of the multi-billion shillings initiative to curb joblessness among the youth at the grassroots.
”We are committed to investing in our young people by driving policies and programmes that expand opportunities in both employment and business. In partnership with the World Bank, we are rolling out the Ksh5 billion National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, a flagship initiative that will support 100,000 youth nationwide, with 70 beneficiaries identified from each of the country’s 1,450 wards,” Ruto announced.
The NYOTA project will see each young person receive a Ksh50,000 grant to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey. The meeting also brought together officials from the ministries of MSMEs, Sports and Youth, led by Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, to ensure a whole-of-government approach.
To achieve his plan
”Tomorrow, all Principal Secretaries will convene to align implementation, with a follow-up engagement on Monday bringing together political leaders across the country, including governors, MPs, Members of County Assemblies and National Government Administration officials at the counties. The NYOTA Project, alongside programmes like affordable housing, labour mobility, and digital jobs, is creating thousands of opportunities and empowering young Kenyans to drive innovation, enterprise, and sustainable development,” Ruto added.
President Ruto also confirmed that on Monday, October 6, 2025, all the Principal Secretaries will be in all the 47 counties to meet governors, members of Parliament and county assemblies (MCAs), and chiefs to sensitise the leaders and youth on the programme, and to align implementation at the grassroots for transparency and inclusivity.
”By involving leaders from the Executive, Legislature, and county governments, the process will be transparent and inclusive, ensuring that every young person has a fair chance to benefit. Through NYOTA, we are investing in our youth, unlocking opportunities, and driving enterprise and innovation across Kenya,” Ruto added.