Govt rolls out second phase of NYOTA programme, boosting youth enterprises in Marsabit
By Joel Masibo, July 10, 2026The national government has launched the second phase of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Programme, with 1,680 young people in Marsabit County set to benefit from business support grants aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, job creation and financial independence.
The programme, officially launched on Friday, July 10, 2026, during an event presided over by President William Ruto at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, seeks to empower youth by providing financial support, skills development and employment opportunities across the country.
Speaking differently during the launch in Marsabit, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo said the initiative is transforming the lives of thousands of young Kenyans by equipping them with the capital and skills needed to participate meaningfully in the economy.
Omollo said the programme targets young people aged between 18 and 29 years, while persons living with disabilities are eligible up to the age of 35. He added that implementation is taking place in all the country’s 1,450 wards.
Marsabit beneficiaries
In Marsabit County, 1,570 beneficiaries received the initial KSh25,000 business support grant under the programme, while the second phase will support 1,680 youth, including new participants joining the initiative.
“The success stories we are witnessing across Marsabit and the country demonstrate that when young people are given opportunities, they can transform their lives, support their families and contribute to national development. We are proud that more than 90 per cent of beneficiaries have successfully invested the first grant in productive business ventures,” Omollo said.
Under the second phase, beneficiaries will receive an additional KSh25,000 business grant, while KSh3,000 will be committed to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Haba Haba Savings Scheme to encourage a culture of saving and improve financial resilience among young entrepreneurs.
The Principal Secretary praised the Marsabit County Government for creating a conducive environment for youth-led businesses, particularly by making business licences freely accessible to young entrepreneurs.
He urged other county governments to replicate Marsabit’s approach by working closely with the national government to create an enabling environment for youth enterprises.
“When our young people prosper, our counties prosper, and ultimately the entire country prospers. The partnership between the National Government and County Governments is critical in ensuring that young entrepreneurs succeed,” he said.
NYOTA components
PS Omollo also highlighted other components of the NYOTA Programme, including workplace experience placements that provide practical job skills and the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) initiative, which enables skilled artisans such as mechanics, plumbers and technicians to obtain formal certification based on their experience.
He noted that the programme is part of the government’s broader strategy to address youth unemployment by connecting young people with skills training, entrepreneurship opportunities and employment pathways.
The PS encouraged beneficiaries to also take advantage of other government empowerment initiatives, including the Hustler Fund, the Youth Enterprise Development Fund and the Women Enterprise Fund, as well as procurement opportunities offered by both national and county governments.
He challenged the youth to establish sustainable businesses capable of creating employment for others, describing entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic growth and expanded opportunities for Kenya’s young population.
The nationwide rollout of the second phase of the NYOTA Programme marks another milestone in the government’s efforts to promote youth empowerment, enterprise development and inclusive economic transformation.
The launch was attended by Petroleum Principal Secretary Kello Harsama and Marsabit Deputy Governor Solomon Gubo