Vulnerable youth aged 18 to 29 years are encouraged to submit their applications for a chance to receive government start-up grants of Sh. 50,000 through the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) program.
Stakeholders in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) ecosystem have urged young people to seize this lifetime opportunity and apply online before the application deadline on May 15.
The project aims to address unemployment and boost income by providing skills training, business support, and promoting savings among young Kenyans with no formal education or with education up to Form Four level and below.
“This grant is specifically for the youth aged 18 to 29 years because we want to support them in establishing their businesses,” stated Tabitha Gicheru, Senior Assistant Director for Manufacturing and Agribusiness at the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), during a press briefing at a business sensitization forum in Kisumu County.
Gicheru emphasized that NYOTA aims to directly benefit approximately 110,000 vulnerable youths, particularly those without advanced academic credentials who face challenges in securing formal employment.
“Young individuals at the bottom of the economic and social pyramid, due to limited access to government programs and lack of collateral for loans, need a small push to unlock their potential in business.”
Fredrick Aoko, Head of Enterprise Development at MSEA, also spoke at the event and explained that NYOTA is an expansion of the previous Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project (KYEOP), which provided Sh. 40,000 per beneficiary.
“This fund targets youths with specific skills or talents to start businesses in sectors such as manufacturing or services. It’s not just about financing; it’s a comprehensive empowerment program with a focus on social inclusion, including NSSF savings to encourage a saving culture and enhance creditworthiness,” Aoko said.
He highlighted that the grant serves as a launch pad for young entrepreneurs, while a complementary loan component under the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) program offers up to Sh. 20 million for capital-intensive expansions, particularly for those needing machinery or equipment.
“The grant prepares the youth to take off, while the loan ensures they can scale their production. The goal is to support social enterprises that generate employment and uplift entire communities through value chain expansion,” he added.
Aoko emphasized that NYOTA applications are processed through a fully automated, randomized online system, which minimizes human interference and promotes transparency.
“Priority is given to out-of-school youth who are ready to fully commit to entrepreneurship, with additional incentives for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups,” he mentioned.
He pointed out that lack of access to finance, limited market knowledge, and gaps in product development and certification are major challenges affecting the growth of the MSME sector.
The MSEA is collaborating with agencies such as the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), KIRDI, and the Kenya Institute of Business Training (KIBT) to provide technical support, training, and market linkages to help bridge these gaps.
Aoko called for better coordination and policy alignment to support the MSME sector, noting that initiatives like the Hustler Fund have seen low uptake due to limited awareness and mentorship.
“The intention is clear: the government wants youth-led businesses to thrive. NYOTA is just the beginning,” he concluded.
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