Ruto Sets July 10 for Launch of KSh3 Billion NYOTA Disbursement as 122,000 Youth Set to Benefit

Ruto Sets July 10 for Launch of KSh3 Billion NYOTA Disbursement as 122,000 Youth Set to Benefit

Thousands of young entrepreneurs across Kenya are set to receive a major financial boost after President William Ruto announced that the second phase of the government’s NYOTA Business Support Programme will officially begin on Friday, July 10, with 122,000 beneficiaries expected to receive grants under the initiative.

The nationwide rollout marks a significant milestone in the government’s youth empowerment agenda and is expected to inject KSh3 billion into small businesses operated by young Kenyans across all 47 counties.

President Ruto confirmed the latest development on Monday, July 6, after receiving a progress briefing at State House, Nairobi, on the implementation of the programme by the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

According to the President, the second tranche of funding will be launched simultaneously at 18 venues across the country, bringing together beneficiaries from every county in what will be the programme’s largest coordinated disbursement since its inception.

Unlike the initial rollout, which was conducted in phases, the government has opted for a nationwide launch to accelerate implementation and ensure beneficiaries receive support within a shorter timeframe.

Speaking after the briefing, the President said each beneficiary will receive KSh25,000 under the second phase, bringing their total support under the programme to KSh50,000 after the first disbursement issued earlier this year.

“With the launch of the KSh3 billion second tranche of the business support component for the 122,000 beneficiaries, each beneficiary will receive KSh25,000. In addition to a similar amount they had received earlier in the year, each beneficiary will have received a total of KSh50,000,” President Ruto said.

The Head of State further revealed that all beneficiaries had successfully completed mandatory business development training, a requirement designed to equip recipients with entrepreneurship, financial management and business growth skills before receiving the second grant.

“Already, the beneficiaries have undergone a business development skills programme,” the President added.

Government officials say the training is intended to improve the sustainability of youth-owned enterprises by strengthening financial literacy, business planning and enterprise management skills.

The NYOTA programme, which is fully supported by the World Bank, targets young entrepreneurs by providing grant financing alongside mentorship and capacity building to help expand small businesses, create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth.

The latest announcement comes after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the release of the second tranche, following delays that had raised concerns among beneficiaries and development partners.

In June, officials from the World Bank held consultations with the Kenyan government to review the implementation of the project and address challenges affecting the programme, including delays in releasing funds.

At the time, government officials attributed the postponement to budgetary constraints after the implementation schedule was compressed into a single financial year.

Cooperatives Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni had earlier indicated that the second disbursement would be released by June 30, but the payments were delayed beyond the initial timeline, prompting concerns among beneficiaries awaiting the funds.

The confirmation of the July 10 rollout is therefore expected to ease pressure on the government while reassuring thousands of young entrepreneurs who had been waiting for the next phase of support.

The NYOTA Business Support Programme forms part of broader government efforts to tackle youth unemployment by supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, which account for a significant share of employment opportunities in Kenya.

Officials believe the grants will enable beneficiaries to purchase stock, invest in equipment, expand operations and improve the resilience of their businesses amid a challenging economic environment.

The programme also seeks to encourage entrepreneurship among young people by combining financial assistance with practical business skills, reducing the likelihood that beneficiaries will struggle after receiving funding.

With simultaneous launch events planned across 18 locations nationwide, the government hopes the latest disbursement will accelerate enterprise growth, strengthen local economies and empower thousands of young Kenyans to build sustainable businesses capable of creating additional employment opportunities in their communities.

The July 10 rollout is expected to be one of the largest youth-focused grant disbursement exercises undertaken by the government this year, underscoring its continued emphasis on entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic transformation and inclusive growth.

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Ruto Sets July 10 for Launch of KSh3 Billion NYOTA Disbursement as 122,000 Youth Set to Benefit