The Government of Kenya, in partnership with the World Bank launched the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, a flagship initiative aimed at economically empowering young people across the country.
Through the Nyota Fund, the government will offer Ksh 50,000 in business support capital to between 50,000 and 100,000 youth nationwide to help them start or expand small enterprises.
The project aims to reach 70 young people in each of the country’s 1,450 wards, creating equitable access to funding and opportunities across all regions.
Who Can Apply for the Nyota Fund?
The Nyota Project targets Kenyan youth aged 18–29 years, and up to 35 years for persons with disabilities registered with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).
Priority will be given to:
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Youth who have not gone beyond the Form 4 level of education
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Unemployed or underemployed youth
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Individuals engaged in low-income jobs
To qualify, applicants must:
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Be a Kenyan citizen with a valid National ID
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Have a SIM card registered under their name and National ID
How to Apply for the Nyota Fund
Applying for the Nyota Fund is quick and mobile-based. Here’s how to do it:
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Dial
*254#on your mobile phone. -
From the menu, select “Nyota Fund.”
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Choose the type of assistance you need:
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Business Support
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Recognition of Prior Learning
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On-the-Job Experience
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For the Ksh 50,000 business support, select Business Support and fill in the required application details.
Other Benefits of the Nyota Project
Beyond financial support, the Nyota Project is designed to equip youth with practical and digital skills that enhance employability and entrepreneurship.
Key components include:
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Digital skills training for over 600,000 youth to help them access government procurement opportunities and catalytic funds.
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Job experience opportunities for 90,000 youth through structured training and placement programs.
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Recognition of prior learning for 20,000 youth, allowing them to get certified for skills acquired outside formal education.
These efforts align with the government’s broader agenda to promote youth employment, innovation, and self-reliance across Kenya.
Why the Nyota Fund Matters
The Nyota Fund comes at a time when many young Kenyans face challenges in accessing employment and business financing.
