Govt Confirms Date for Second NYOTA Fund Disbursement

The government has announced the dates and counties set to receive the second disbursement of the Nyota Business Start-up Capital, following the rollout of the first phase in Western Kenya.

In a notice dated Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the government stated that the disbursement will target 27 counties.

“The first disbursement of the Business Start-up Capital took place on 7th November 2025 for the Western Cluster, covering Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, and Bungoma counties. A total of 12,155 beneficiaries received the first tranche of KSh 25,000 each, of which KSh 3,000 was allocated to savings, bringing the total disbursement to KSh 303,875,000,” the government said.

Govt Announces Dates for Second Phase of NYOTA Money Disbursement

According to the PS for MSMEs, Susan Mang’eni, rolling out the 2nd phase of disbursement, targeting 27 counties will start from Thursday, January 8 2026, to Friday, January 16 2026, for successful beneficiaries who completed the mandatory three-day business skills training. These counties are: Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Trans-Nzoia, Turkana, West Pokot, Nakuru, Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Baringo, Laikipia, Isiolo, Samburu, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Nairobi, Kiambu and Kajiado.

Also Read: Govt Issues Alert Over NYOTA App

The PS also stated that the Nyota Project Business Start-up Capital disbursement and mentorship events will be graced by President William Ruto.

The following table outlines the Nyota Project disbursement and mentorship schedule:

Further, PS Mong’eni stated that close to 50,000 beneficiaries will each receive Kshs. 22,000 as a deposit to their NYOTA Pochi la Biashara wallet, while an additional Kshs. 3,000 will be deposited into their Haba na Haba account under NSSF.

All NYOTA Project business grant beneficiaries will further benefit from a two-month mentorship programme delivered by business development experts and local entrepreneurs, providing them with guided entry into local business ecosystems and markets.

The beneficiaries will further undertake a second phase of Business Development Support training, to prepare them for the 2nd tranche of disbursement of the business grant.

The government has urged NYOTA Project beneficiaries to utilise the business grants strictly in line with the business plans developed during the mandatory classroom-based business skills training. Beneficiaries will also receive ongoing support from business development experts to help ensure the sustainability of their enterprises.

Meanwhile, the government said the schedule for the Phase Three disbursement, which will cover 16 counties, that is Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River, Mombasa, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Nyamira, Kisii, Marsabit, Garissa, Mandera and Wajir, will be communicated in due course.

About the Programme

The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme is a flagship 5-year initiative by the Government of Kenya, financed by the World Bank, designed to address youth unemployment and promote financial independence.

Also Read: NYOTA Project Announces Mandatory Training for Beneficiaries

The NYOTA Project’s Business Support Component is on track to empower over 100,000 vulnerable youth across all 1,450 wards in Kenya, with a minimum of 70 beneficiaries per ward.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and WhatsApp Community for Instant News Updates

President William Ruto and other top government officials during the launch of NYOTA project in Mumias Sports Complex Kakamega County. PHOTO/S