By Presenter Jonijoo
More than 8,400 young entrepreneurs from Kitui, Machakos and Makueni counties have received a financial boost after the government disbursed KSh210.95 million under the second phase of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Business Support Programme.
The programme saw 8,438 beneficiaries each receive KSh22,000 in start-up capital to establish, expand and strengthen their businesses.
The beneficiaries converged in Kitui for the regional launch of the programme, which was held simultaneously with the national launch officiated by President Dr. William Samoei Ruto at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, where thousands of youth from across the country also benefited from the initiative.
The NYOTA Business Support Programme seeks to empower young entrepreneurs by providing financial support to help them establish sustainable enterprises, create employment opportunities and improve household incomes.
Addressing the beneficiaries during the Kitui event, Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua said the programme demonstrates the government’s commitment to tackling youth unemployment through entrepreneurship.
He said investing in young people was an investment in Kenya’s future, noting that supporting youth-owned businesses would unlock innovation, create jobs and accelerate inclusive economic growth. “Investing in our youth is investing in Kenya’s future. Through the NYOTA Programme, we are creating jobs, unlocking enterprise and driving inclusive economic growth,” said Dr. Mutua.
CS Dr. Mutua urged the beneficiaries to utilize the funds prudently by investing in viable business ventures capable of generating sustainable income and transforming their livelihoods.
The beneficiaries, drawn from Kitui, Machakos and Makueni counties, welcomed the initiative and pledged to invest the capital in various income-generating businesses to improve their economic well-being.
Nationwide, the second tranche of the NYOTA Business Support Programme has reached more than 122,000 young entrepreneurs, with the government disbursing KSh3 billion in start-up capital to support youth-led enterprises.
The Kitui event was attended by Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke, Principal Secretary for Aviation Terry Mbaika, Members of Parliament Charles Nguna and Joshua Mwalyo, alongside other national and county leaders.
The leaders described the programme as a key government intervention aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, reducing youth unemployment and stimulating economic growth through small and medium-sized enterprises.
Ends///
