On January 22, 2026, President William Ruto presided over a significant NYOTA Business Start-Up Capital disbursement event at Kinoru Stadium in Meru County.
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| President William Ruto presides over the NYOTA Business Start-Up Capital disbursement at Kinoru Stadium, Meru County, where KSh 168 million was awarded to 6,720 youth from Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi to support small business growth. |
Each eligible youth received an initial KSh 25,000 package: KSh 22,000 deposited directly into their Pochi la Biashara mobile money wallet for immediate business use, and KSh 3,000 allocated to mandatory savings under the NSSF Haba na Haba scheme.
This event concluded the second phase of NYOTA's Business Support Component rollout, which targeted nearly 50,000 youth across 27 counties from January 8 to 16, 2026 (with the Meru cluster extended to today).
For Tharaka Nithi youth—who completed the required three-day business skills training—this marks a practical opportunity to launch or expand micro-enterprises right here in our region.
Beneficiaries shared inspiring plans during the event, including investments in salons, shoe selling, cereal trading, digital services, and other local ventures.
Many highlighted how the mandatory training boosted their confidence, improved customer engagement skills, and prepared them to build sustainable businesses that support families and contribute to community growth.
What is the NYOTA Project?
The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project is a five-year Government of Kenya initiative, financed by the World Bank.
It aims to empower vulnerable youth by improving access to employment, increasing earnings, promoting savings, and strengthening systems for long-term opportunity access.
Key pillars include:
- Improving Youth Employability — Hands-on apprenticeships for practical skills.
- Expanding Employment Opportunities — Supporting entrepreneurs with business training, grants (up to KSh 50,000 across phases), mentorship, and financial linkages, implemented by the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA).
- Promoting Youth Savings — Auto-enrollment in NSSF's Haba na Haba scheme, with matching funds for consistent savers (one shilling matched for every two saved, up to KSh 3,000) and maternity benefits for female participants.
- Strengthening Systems — Building capacity so youth can access programs like the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, Uwezo Fund, AGPO (Access to Government Procurement Opportunities), and the Hustler Fund.
The project targets over 100,000 youth nationwide, with at least 70 beneficiaries selected per ward across Kenya's 1,450 wards for equitable reach.
NYOTA as a Bridge to the Hustler Fund Ecosystem
A major highlight from official communications is NYOTA's strategic role as an entry point into the government's broader financing ecosystem—particularly through the Hustler Fund Bridge Facility.
As NYOTA-supported businesses stabilize, graduates transition to the Hustler Fund's affordable credit options.
The Bridge Loan rewards responsible borrowers with higher limits, longer repayment periods (up to 30 days), and continued low-interest support to close financing gaps, enhance resilience, and enable sustained growth.
This aligns directly with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), emphasizing productive capital for youth-led enterprises.
Note: Outstanding Hustler Fund loans may impact NYOTA grant eligibility, underscoring the importance of responsible borrowing and financial discipline.
Relevance for Tharaka Nithi Youth
Living in Chuka, many of us know young people who applied and trained for this program.
Today's disbursement brings real capital closer to home, enabling investments in local sectors like agriculture, trade, and services.
It builds on earlier phases and offers mentorship to turn grants into thriving, job-creating businesses.
The government stresses integrity, accountability, and youth as Kenya's greatest resource.
For our county, this means tangible steps toward reducing unemployment and fostering self-reliance.
Official Sources and Scam Warning
For accurate information and applications:
- Visit the official NYOTA website: https://nyotaproject.go.ke/
- Follow @NYOTA_Kenya on X (formerly Twitter)
- Hustler Fund details: https://www.hustlerfund.go.ke/
Important: NYOTA has no mobile app or till number. All services are free—beware of fraudsters. Rely only on official channels.
This disbursement represents more than funding—it's a structured pathway to dignity, productivity, and financial independence for Tharaka Nithi youth and beyond.
If you're eligible or know someone who is, stay informed and engage responsibly. Let's build our future, one enterprise at a time.
Share your thoughts or success stories in the comments below. Stay updated for more local insights.
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