NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Government, through the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development, has kicked off an intensive NYOTA Project Business Training program in Makadara Constituency, bringing together 230 young beneficiaries from Hamza, Viwandani, Harambee, and Makongeni wards. The four-day empowerment session, held at Rabai Road Primary School, marks a major stride in the government’s efforts to strengthen youth enterprise capacity and ignite grassroots economic growth.
Presiding over the launch, Principal Secretary for MSME Development, Hon. Susan Mang’eni, reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to equipping young people with practical business skills, financial support, and market exposure necessary to start, grow, and sustain successful enterprises.
“Empowering youth through business development is central to unlocking inclusive economic growth and building resilient communities,” PS Mang’eni said. She described the NYOTA Project as a transformative platform that helps young innovators turn ideas into tangible businesses, fostering self-reliance, innovation, and sustainable livelihoods.
Hands-On Entrepreneurship Training
The four-day classroom component features a robust curriculum tailored to the needs of budding entrepreneurs. Participants are taken through:
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Business idea development
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Record keeping and financial literacy
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Customer relations and branding
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Market analysis and value addition
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Digital marketing techniques
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Savings culture and sustainability planning
The comprehensive training aims to equip youth with the skills required to build enterprises that can compete and thrive in dynamic markets.
Community-Centered Innovation
A defining feature of the NYOTA Project is its strong community-based approach. Youth are guided to develop ventures that respond directly to the needs and opportunities within their neighborhoods—ensuring their businesses are relevant, practical, and income-generating from the start.
After completing the classroom sessions, beneficiaries will begin receiving the NYOTA start-up grant under a phased disbursement model. The seed capital is designed to help youth launch or expand their enterprises, complemented by continuous mentorship and advisory support to promote responsible and sustainable business growth.
The program will then transition to a three-day experiential immersion, giving participants direct exposure to the local business ecosystem. Through interactions with established entrepreneurs, market visits, and real-time engagement with operational enterprises, youth will gain practical insights into supply chains, business operations, customer engagement, and market dynamics.
Driving Youth-Led Economic Transformation
Under the leadership of PS Hon. Susan Mang’eni, the State Department for MSME Development continues to roll out initiatives that uplift youth, spur innovation, and strengthen community-based economic development. The NYOTA Project stands as a testament to the government’s dedication to opening new economic pathways for young entrepreneurs across Nairobi City County and beyond.
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