NYOTA Launches Nationwide Youth Business Training as Authorities Warn of Fake App Scam

(NYOTA) Project kicks off today (Friday) across 25 counties, with the government issuing an urgent warning over fake mobile applications and fraudulent messages targeting beneficiaries

According to the State Department for MSMEs Development, the four-day Business Development Services (BDS) training will take place in counties including Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Turkana, Baringo, Laikipia, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Isiolo, Nakuru, Narok, Kajiado, Nandi, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho and Bomet

MSMEs Principal Secretary Susan Mageni announced that the programme marks one of the most expansive youth empowerment initiatives under NYOTA

“Tomorrow, 14th November 2025, we will begin the nationwide rollout of youth entrepreneurship training across 25 counties, covering 151 constituencies and 754 wards,” she said on Thursday

Only youth who received official SMS invitations from the NYOTA Project are required to attend the training at designated venues

Warning Over Fake App and Fraudulent Messages

Authorities reiterated that the NYOTA Project does not operate any mobile application for fund disbursement

“NYOTA Project has no fund app. The information being circulated about the fund app is fake. Youth, let’s stay alert so we don’t fall victim to fraudsters,” the programme warned on November 12

This alert follows a rise in fake M-PESA messages claiming disbursements from the NYOTA Project and directing youths to send money to unknown numbers

The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) confirmed receiving several complaints from different counties

“We have received reports of fraudulent M-Pesa messages claiming that youth have received funds from the NYOTA Project or NYOTA Foundation,” the agency said in a statement on October 27

MSEA added that no M-PESA-linked payments have been made so far. All official communication will come only from “Nyota Ke” and verified social media pages

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Over 63,000 Youth Expected This Week

Preparations for the nationwide rollout remain on course, with 63,231 youth expected to attend training sessions in the 25 counties

The programme, launched on November 7 in Mumias, seeks to empower over 100,000 vulnerable youth across all 1,450 wards through business training, mentorship and phased disbursement of capital

Already, 12,155 beneficiaries in the Western cluster Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma and Busia have received Ksh.303.8 million via NYOTA’s Pochi la Biashara platform after completing initial training.

The remaining 18 counties, including Nairobi, Kiambu, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Taita Taveta, Marsabit, Samburu, Wajir, Mandera, Garissa and Elgeyo Marakwet, will begin training next week

President William Ruto launched the NYOTA fund in Mumias, urging young people to remain vigilant against political manipulation ahead of upcoming elections. He emphasized that the multi-billion shilling fund is designed to help youth start and expand their businesses

Writer : Mweru Mbugua