The government has disbursed approximately KSh250 million to more than 9,500 young entrepreneurs across six North Rift counties under the Nyota Business Start-Up Capital Programme, in a major boost aimed at tackling youth unemployment and poverty.
The beneficiaries, drawn from Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Turkana and West Pokot counties, each received KSh22,000 to support and expand their small businesses. In addition, a further KSh3,000 was deposited into each beneficiary’s savings account at the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) to promote a culture of saving and long-term financial security.
Speaking during the Nyota North Rift Cluster Business Start-Up Capital disbursement ceremony held in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, the government reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young people through skills development, enterprise support and job creation.
Beyond business financing, the programme will support an additional 20,000 young people through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) component. Under this initiative, the government will fund a certification course of up to one month, enabling beneficiaries to formalise their skills and transition smoothly into employment.
A further 90,000 youth will benefit from on-the-job training, where they will be attached to master craftsmen and women for hands-on skills transfer. Each trainee will receive a monthly stipend of KSh6,000 for six months, while master trainers will also be compensated. The government will fully cater for the cost of certification upon completion of training.
In a move aimed at enhancing inclusivity in public procurement, the government plans to train 600,000 young people, women and persons with disabilities to enable them to access the 30 per cent of government procurement opportunities reserved for these special groups.
The Nyota programme forms part of a broader national strategy that includes labour mobility initiatives, affordable housing projects, development of markets and hostels, and the expansion of digital jobs, all geared towards confronting unemployment and eradicating poverty.
About The Author
