Gov't launches Nyota Project Phase II in 27 counties

By Newsflash Writer

The government has begun rolling out the second phase of the Nyota Project, a nationwide youth empowerment programme designed to provide business start-up capital and mentorship to thousands of young entrepreneurs across the country.

The initiative, implemented by the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development, targets vulnerable youth and aims to stimulate grassroots enterprise as a pathway to employment creation and economic inclusion Overall, the Nyota Project is on course to support more than 100,000 youth across all 1,450 wards nationwide, with a minimum of 70 beneficiaries per ward.

Before qualifying for funding, beneficiaries are required to complete a mandatory classroom-based business skills training programme, which has already been rolled out countrywide under the project’s Business Support Component.

27 counties included in January disbursement

According to a media statement issued on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the second phase of the business start-up capital disbursement will run from January 8 to January 16, targeting 27 counties

The counties set to benefit are Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Trans-Nzoia, Turkana, West Pokot, Nakuru, Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Baringo, Laikipia, Isiolo, Samburu, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Nairobi, Kiambu and Kajiado.

Close to 50,000 successful beneficiaries will each receive KSh 22,000 deposited directly into their Nyota Pochi la Biashara wallet to support business start-up costs An additional KSh 3,000 will be deposited into a Haba na Haba savings account managed under the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), reinforcing savings and long-term financial security among the youth.

Mentorship to be included in next phase

The disbursement exercise will be accompanied by mentorship and engagement events to be presided over by President William Ruto at designated regional venues, including Eldoret, Nakuru, Nanyuki, Nyeri, Meru, Machakos and Nairobi.

This second phase follows the first disbursement conducted on November 7, 2025, which covered the Western Kenya cluster of Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia and Bungoma counties During that phase, 12,155 beneficiaries received KSh 25,000 each, including a savings component, amounting to a total disbursement of KSh 303.9 million.

Beyond financial support, all Nyota Project beneficiaries will undergo a two-month mentorship programme delivered by business development experts and local entrepreneurs The mentorship is intended to guide youth-owned enterprises into local markets and strengthen their capacity to operate sustainably.

Beneficiaries will also undertake a second phase of business development support training in preparation for a future tranche of funding. The government said schedules for the third phase of disbursement, which will cover 16 additional counties including Kilifi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Garissa, will be announced in due course.