Meru and Embu governors promise not to subject NYOTA fund beneficiaries to licensing fees
By Luke Oluoch, January 22, 2026The disbursement of the Youth Empowerment Capital funds under the Nyota Programme in Mount Kenya East took a sudden twist on Thursday, January 22, 2026, as the governors present pleaded with the youth to invest the grants within their respective counties.
The event, presided over by President William Ruto, brought together youth from Tharaka Nithi, Meru, and Embu counties, with the three governors from the region also present.
The governors competed fiercely for a share of the grants by pitching their counties as the ideal destinations for the beneficiaries to establish their businesses.
Governors’ promises
Meru Governor Eric Mutuma led the clamour, urging the youth—whom he referred to as “investors”—to consider starting their ventures in Meru.
Mutuma pointedly warned the youth against taking the money to neighbouring Tharaka Nithi County. He announced a waiver of all licence fees as an incentive to keep the businesses within Meru.
“Here in Meru, I will ensure that all ventures started under NYOTA will not be subjected to any licence fees. As the county government, we will pay the licences for you,” Mutuma stated.
He made the announcement amid sudden silence from the youth following the cash confirmation.
He also implored them to invest the funds in profitable ventures rather than consume them.
Mbarire’s pleas
On her part, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire dangled her own incentives, promising additional grants from the county government to support the youth’s economic takeoff.
“Vijana wa Embu, najua hii ni ile msimu wa kulipa license. I want to waive all licences ili muanzishe biashara huko Embu. I have Ksh20 million for you ambayo nitawaongezea ili muweze kuendelea zaidi,” she said.
Mbarire was lauded for moving beyond political rhetoric to help realise the youth empowerment dream.
She also hit back at critics who described the grants as too small to start any meaningful business.
“The money you think is nothing is a huge sum for small people starting their businesses,” she added.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki hit back by asking his residents to ‘go home’ and establish their business ventures there.
President Ruto urged the youth to make good use of the cash, empower themselves, and transform their lives.
“I want to tell you to take this chance to do business. By today, we have disbursed funds to many, and in the next few weeks we will reach 125,000. When you get the money, plan accordingly,” he added.
“The money is a grant, not a debt, so you are not obliged to pay it back. This is our way of supporting you. Do not waste this chance,” he told the youths.