Kindiki defends Ruto’s NYOTA programme, dismisses critics of Ksh50K grants
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, July 10, 2026Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has defended the government’s youth empowerment programme, arguing that critics are unfairly dismissing initiatives aimed at helping young Kenyans start and expand businesses.
Speaking during the rollout of the second phase of the NYOTA programme in Nakuru on Friday, July 10, 2026, Kindiki said that the opposition leaders could not compete with President William Ruto, citing efforts he has made to improve the livelihoods of young people across the country.
He maintained that the government was investing in practical solutions that would enable thousands of youths to establish income-generating ventures rather than relying on empty political rhetoric.
“Mimi naona kuna watu wanashindana na Rais Ruto. Kazi kama hii ya vijana ambayo Rais anafanya, there is nothing you can do about it, na hakuna vile unaweza ambia vijana ati wewe kazi yako ni kutumia vijana na kukupigia makofi na kelele alafu you are comparing yourself with President Ruto, who is going out of his way to emPresident Ruto,g people of Kenya,” Kindiki said
Kindiki said it was unreasonable for anyone to discourage young people from accepting government support while offering no alternative economic opportunities. According to him, the administration’s focus is on empowering youth through direct financial assistance and enterprise development.
The Deputy President also took issue with criticism that the Ksh50,000 support offered under the NYOTA programme was too little to make a difference. He argued that while the amount may not solve every financial challenge, it provides many young entrepreneurs with the capital needed to launch or grow small businesses.
“Mimi naskia watu wengine wakisema ooh, 50,000 ni pesa kidogo,” Kindiki said.
He said the programme demonstrates President Ruto’s commitment to addressing youth unemployment by equipping young people with resources to become self-reliant instead of depending on political handouts.
Kindiki further suggested that those criticising the initiative had failed to present credible alternatives for tackling the country’s youth unemployment challenge. He insisted that the government’s priority remains creating economic opportunities and supporting entrepreneurship among young people.
His remarks come as the government continues implementing the second phase of the NYOTA programme, under which thousands of beneficiaries are receiving additional funding after successfully investing their initial grants.
Ksh3B to support entrepreneurs
Kindiki’s statement follows President William Ruto’s announcement that the government will spend close to Ksh3 billion to support more than 122,000 young entrepreneurs across the country under its youth enterprise empowerment programme.
Speaking during the launch of NYOTA Tranche II at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Langata on Friday, July 10, 2026, the president said the investment is aimed at strengthening youth-led businesses, creating employment opportunities and expanding entrepreneurship among young Kenyans. He described the programme as one of the largest coordinated investments in young entrepreneurs ever undertaken in the country.
He noted that the combined disbursements will see the government channel nearly Ksh3 billion into youth-owned enterprises across Kenya.
“We are going to spend close to 3 billion Kenyan shillings across Kenya to fund more than 122,000 young entrepreneurs,” the president said.