Govt Sets Record Straight on Automatic Fuliza Deductions for NYOTA Beneficiaries

Cabinet Secretary (CS) for the Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMEs), Wycliffe Oparanya, has addressed concerns about automatic Fuliza and Hustler deductions once NYOTA fund beneficiaries receive their money.

Speaking at the Nyota Business Start-Up Capital Disbursement event in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, which was graced by President William Ruto, the CS assured beneficiaries that the funds they receive on their phones will remain intact, with no automatic deductions.

“The NYOTA money is in a special business app, and the funds will be sent via Safaricom. So if you have Fuliza, your money will remain intact when it arrives,” said the CS.

Govt Confirms No Fuliza and Hustler Fund Deductions on Beneficiaries for NYOTA Funds

Additionally, the CS stated that the responsibility of repaying Fuliza remains with the individual account holder.

“As for Fuliza, you will deal with Safaricom directly on how to repay it yourself,” added the CS.

CS Oparanya reiterated that the funds will remain intact with no deductions, noting that once the money is channelled through the NYOTA business app, the government will monitor transactions to track how the funds are used.

Also Read: Govt Issues Alert Over NYOTA App

He warned beneficiaries against spending the money on trivial activities such as betting, stating that the government will block NYOTA funds from being channelled to such uses.

Govt Confirms Date for Second NYOTA Fund Disbursement

On Tuesday, January 6, the government 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 stating 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.

Also Read: NYOTA Project Announces Mandatory Training for Beneficiaries

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.

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Photo of President William Ruto gracing the launch of the NYOTA Business Support Programme in Western Kenya in 2025. PHOTO/NYOTA