Ruto Announces Plan to Expand NYOTA Programme for Young Entrepreneurs
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President William Ruto has announced plans to expand the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme, saying the government wants to reach more young entrepreneurs across the country.
Speaking during a graduation ceremony at State House for trainees under the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), Ruto said the government is considering doubling or tripling the number of young people who benefit from the programme’s business support component.
“We know that we have reached 130,000. We want to see whether we can double or triple that number and get more young people in that space,” Ruto said.
Ruto Announces Ksh5 Billion NYOTA Fund for Young Entrepreneurs
Ruto said the move would give more young Kenyans an opportunity to pursue entrepreneurship and create jobs rather than solely relying on formal employment.
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In addition, Ruto said the government has allocated Ksh5 billion through the NYOTA Business Support Programme to support young entrepreneurs across the country.
The President said the programme targets 134,000 young entrepreneurs in 1,450 wards, with a particular focus on those with Form Four qualifications and below.
“Through the NYOTA Business Support Program, we are investing 5 billion shillings to reach 134,000 young entrepreneurs in 1,450 wards of our country, especially young people with Form 4 qualifications and below,” Ruto said.
Ruto said the government’s focus was not only on preparing young people to secure employment but also equipping them with the resources needed to create employment opportunities.
“Our ambition is not only to prepare young people to find jobs. It is to prepare them to create jobs as well,” he said.
Govt Allocates Ksh20 Billion Support for MSMEs
Furthermore, Ruto highlighted the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation Programme, saying the government had mobilised a further Ksh 20 billion to support micro, small and medium enterprises.
He said the funding would focus on businesses operating in high-growth sectors.
Also Read: Govt Issues Fresh Directives to NYOTA Beneficiaries on Upcoming Business Mentorship
Ruto linked the initiatives to the government’s broader efforts to increase opportunities for young people and strengthen entrepreneurship.
He said a person’s economic future should not be determined solely by their level of formal education, adding that young Kenyans with skills, ideas and determination could build businesses and create employment opportunities.
“Your economic destiny must never be decided by how far you went in school. With a skill, an idea and determination, you can build an enterprise, create a job and serve your country,” he said.
The President further said the government will look beyond education and focus on empowering Kenyans to participate in investment and entrepreneurship.
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President William Ruto gracing the launch of the NYOTA Business Support Programme in Western Kenya in 2025. PHOTO/NYOTA.