NYOTA Project rolls out business training across 25 counties

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The government has commenced the nationwide rollout of business training under the Nyota Project, targeting over 63,000 youth beneficiaries in 25 counties.

Speaking during a press briefing, State Department for MSMEs Development Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni said the training marks the second phase of the project following its official launch on November 7 in Mumias, Kakamega County.

Mang’eni said the rollout will take place across 151 constituencies and 754 wards in 25 counties, including Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Turkana, Baringo, Laikipia, Meru, Embu, Nakuru, Narok, Kajiado, Nandi, Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, and Bomet.

She said training will be conducted in 222 centres, with some constituencies hosting multiple venues due to vast geographical coverage.

Beneficiaries are expected to attend at least three(3) out of the four(4) training days to qualify for the start-up capital.

“The disbursement of funds will follow immediately after the completion of the classroom training,” she said.

Ms Mang’eni added that the intake process for 10,000 beneficiaries in Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps--including 5,000 from host communities--is being finalised, with training set to begin soon.

The PS noted that the final phase of training will cover 18 remaining counties, including Nairobi, Kiambu, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Garissa, towards the end of next week.

She said the launch in Mumias also marked the disbursement of start-up capital to 12,155 beneficiaries from the Western cluster--covering Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, and Busia counties--who had completed their initial business training.

“A total of Sh303,875,000 was disbursed to the Western cluster beneficiaries through Nyota Pochi la Biashara accounts. Each received Sh22,000, with Sh3,000 deducted as mandatory savings to promote a culture of financial discipline,” said Ms Mang’eni.

She explained that the savings component serves as a de-risking mechanism, allowing beneficiaries to access short- and long-term savings while building a track record for possible financing from mainstream financial institutions.

The PS added that the Western cluster beneficiaries will now undergo a two-month mentorship programme by business development experts before attending a three-day advanced classroom training designed to link them to the wider business ecosystem.

“After the final training, they will receive their remaining start-up capital and proceed to the last phase of mentorship for two months,” she noted.