By Issa Hussein - Reporter
10 July 2026 - At least 7,560 youths have benefitted from the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme’s second phase that was disbursed by President Ruto on Friday.
While Presiding over the Garissa County Phase II disbursement of the Programme at the Garissa Regional Commissioner's Residence, Health Cabinet secretary Aden Duale revealed that 2,205 young entrepreneurs with KSh 55.125 million in business grants benefited in the Phase I of the programme.
The funds, Duale noted, underscore the government's resolve to unlock the immense potential of young people in every corner of the country through inclusive economic empowerment.
The CS recalled how as a young boy he used to assist his mother at her kiosk that she started with only KSh 3,000 adding that funds can go along way in starting small business.
“Everyone has a starting point in any business. Ask around and you will learn that successful business people started in small businesses,” Duale told youths.
In a meeting that brought together young people within Garissa County was also attended by Principal Secretary Aden Abdi and Garissa Governor Nathif Jama.
The rollout of the programme that happened simultaneously in various parts of the country, Duale noted that a further KSh 135.135 million has been disbursed to 5,405 beneficiaries, including 3,333 continuing entrepreneurs receiving their second tranche of support and 2,072 new beneficiaries beginning their entrepreneurial journey.
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The former Leader of Majority in the National Assembly noted that the funds for the youths also reaffirmed Ruto’s administration’s keen interest in ensuring that historically marginalised regions are central to Kenya's development journey and are taking their rightful place in the nation's socio-economic transformation.
On his part, Governor Jama said all the beneficiaries of the NYOTA programme will be allowed to start their businesses without requirement of license.
Jama noted that the county will also invest in similar programme to ensure youths are given small capital to start business instead of engaging in ignoble activities such as crime.