Members of the National Assembly Committee on Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives were briefed today on a key project aimed at providing Sh50,000 to 70 youths in each ward across the country.
The initiative, known as the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, is set for a national roll-out.
Chaired by Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani), the Committee received a detailed briefing from officials of the Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA), who outlined the projectโs objectives and its anticipated impact.
The NYOTA project is a scaled-up version of the Kenya Youth Empowerment Program (KYEOP), which seeks to increase youth employment, boost earnings, and promote savings among vulnerable youths.
MSEA Project Coordinator Ms. Caroline Kioko, alongside Senior Enterprise Development Officer Mr. Evans Ballut, outlined the project’s goals, noting that it targets 70 youths per ward nationwide.
These youths will each receive Sh50,000 to either start or expand their businesses.
Ms. Kioko emphasized that MSEA, as the implementing agency for of the project, will focus on addressing barriers that limit youth participation in entrepreneurship.
With a target to reach over 100,000 youths across all 47 counties, the project aims to empower young people through grants, Business Development Services (BDS) training, and mentorship.
“Beneficiaries will receive a comprehensive package that includes grants, BDS training, and mentorship. Over 100,000 youths with business ideas will benefit from Sh50,000 in startup capital to begin or sustain their businesses,” Ms. Kioko explained.
The Sh50,000 will be disbursed in two instalments of Sh25,000 each, primarily aimed at youths with Form Four certificates or lower, including school dropouts. The Project is open to youths aged 18 to 29 years, and 18 to 35 years for those with disabilities, across all 47 counties.
Shinali expressed concerns that the amount allocated may not be sufficient to start businesses.
However, MSEA officials reassured the members, highlighting that many businesses can be started with as little as Sh1,000.
โThere are several businesses that one can begin with Sh25,000 or even less. If you look at what the Hustler Fund offers, it starts from as low as Sh500, which can help a woman buy vegetables at the market to resell,โ observed Ms. Kioko said, allaying concerns about the viability of the funds.
Committee Vice Chairperson Marianne Kitany (Aldai) urged the agency to learn from past government youth and women empowerment programs and avoid the challenges that led to their shortcomings.