President William Ruto Distributes NYOTA Business Grants to Empower Over 9,800 Youth Entrepreneurs in South Rift Counties

President William Ruto has launched the disbursement of NYOTA business grants. The program targets thousands of young Kenyans. Its goal is to help them start and grow sustainable businesses. In the first phase, over 9,800 youths from South Rift counties including Bomet, Baringo, Nakuru, Kericho and Narok received KSh 22,000 each to support their ventures.

The initiative is funded by the World Bank through the Kenyan government. It combines financial support with skills training. Each beneficiary received KSh 22,000 through their Pochi La Biashara accounts. An extra KSh 3,000 was allocated to Haba Na Haba savings accounts under the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). “Beneficiaries are receiving the first tranche of their KSh 50,000 start-up package, with KSh 22,000 credited for immediate business use and KSh 3,000 for savings,” the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy said.

The disbursement took place at the ASK Showground in Nakuru city on Friday, January 9, 2026. Recipients will join a two-month mentorship program. They will also take part in the second phase of business development support training. These programs are designed to prepare them for the remaining funds in the second tranche.

President Ruto advised beneficiaries to use the grants wisely. He emphasized discipline, resilience, and careful financial planning. Drawing from his own experience, he recalled starting as a small-time chicken seller. He later grew his business into a large enterprise employing thousands. “Business is about hard work, and each of you will receive your money directly through your phones. This grant is important and will help many entrepreneurs grow without interest,” he said.

The government clarified that the NYOTA grant is not a loan. It is meant to empower youth to start businesses. The program aims to support 100,000 young entrepreneurs with KSh 5 billion in total. Earlier, 9,423 beneficiaries in six North Rift counties received KSh 22,000 each as part of the nationwide rollout across 27 Phase Two counties.

Through NYOTA, President Ruto’s administration promotes financial inclusion, youth entrepreneurship and job creation. The combination of funding, mentorship and skills training offers young Kenyans a practical path to self-reliance and long-term growth.