President William Ruto has announced 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.

Thousands to receive fresh funding

According to the president, 88,934 young entrepreneurs who successfully invested their initial business support will soon receive a second tranche of Ksh25,000, bringing the total support each beneficiary receives under the programme to Ksh50,000.

At the same time, another 33,269 young Kenyans will receive their first tranche of funding, marking the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey through the initiative.

Boosting enterprise and job creation

President Ruto said empowering young entrepreneurs remains central to the government’s economic transformation agenda, noting that supporting small businesses creates jobs, stimulates local economies and reduces unemployment.

He added that the second round of funding for beneficiaries who successfully utilised their initial grants demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting sustainable business growth rather than one-off financial assistance.

Investing in Kenya’s future

The president emphasised that investing in youth entrepreneurship is an investment in Kenya’s long-term economic future.

“88,934 young entrepreneurs who successfully invested their initial business support will shortly receive the second tranche of 25,000 Kenyan shillings, bringing their support under the programme to KSh50,000,” Ruto said.

At the same time, another 33,269 young Kenyans are taking the first step on their entrepreneurial journey by receiving their first tranche of support. This is one of the largest coordinated investments ever made in Kenya’s young entrepreneurs, because when we invest in enterprise, we invest in the future of our economy,” he added.