We Are Delivering on Our Plan, Says President Ruto as Youth Receive Ksh.252 Million Boost
Speaking at the NYOTA Project Business Start-Up Capital Disbursement Forum held at Buntwani Waterfront Park in Malindi, Kilifi County, the President said his government is focused on uplifting disadvantaged young people, particularly those who were unable to progress with formal education
By : Mweru Mbugua
President William Ruto has urged Kenyan youth to take full advantage of government programmes aimed at economic empowerment, insisting that his administration is fulfilling the promises it made during the 2022 election campaign
Speaking at the NYOTA Project Business Start-Up Capital Disbursement Forum held at Buntwani Waterfront Park in Malindi, Kilifi County, the President said his government is focused on uplifting disadvantaged young people, particularly those who were unable to progress with formal education
The forum brought together 5,040 young entrepreneurs drawn from 60 wards across Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu counties. Of these, 35 wards are from Kilifi, 15 from Tana River and 10 from Lamu
A total of Ksh.252 million has been disbursed under the programme to support youth-led enterprises. In the first phase, each beneficiary will receive Ksh.25,000, with Ksh.22,000 credited directly to support business operations and Ksh.3,000 deposited into a Haba na Haba savings account managed by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). A second phase will see beneficiaries receive an additional Ksh.25,000, bringing the total start-up capital to Ksh.50,000 per entrepreneur
President Ruto reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating employment opportunities for young people by equipping them with skills to grow their businesses and access government and private sector contracts. He said the programme is designed to turn youths into job creators while strengthening the country’s workforce through skills development
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Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki highlighted other key government initiatives, including affordable housing, digital jobs and overseas employment opportunities, noting that these programmes are helping to bridge the employment gap in the country
Prof. Kindiki also praised the President’s decision to waive Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax for low-income earners, describing it as a major relief for Kenyan workers
The NYOTA Project is part of the government’s broader agenda to promote inclusive economic growth and address youth unemployment across the country
