NYOTA Project Explained
NYOTA Project Fully Explained: Clusters and Disbursement
NYOTA (National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement) is a five-year government initiative, backed by the World Bank and implemented by several agencies in Kenya. Its main target is vulnerable youth aged 18-29 years, and up to 35 years for persons with disabilities (PWDs). The project covers all 47 counties in Kenya and aims to reach hundreds of thousands of youth.
Key Goals
- Increasing youth employment
- Supporting youth entrepreneurship
- Promoting savings culture among youth
- Strengthening systems for youth economic integration
Core Components of NYOTA
- Youth Employability/Skills: Training for youth in work-readiness skills, apprenticeships (On-the-Job Experience – OJE), etc.
- Entrepreneurship & Business Start-Up Support: Business training, mentorship, and seed/start-up capital.
- Youth Savings Culture: NSSF “Haba Haba” savings scheme with matching incentives.
- Systems Strengthening: Digital skills, access to AGPO, and county capacity building.
Clusters & Rollout
The NYOTA project is rolled out in eight regional clusters:
| Cluster # | Counties Included |
|---|---|
| 1 | Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia |
| 2 | Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira |
| 3 | Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana, Laikipia |
| 4 | Nakuru, Kericho, Nandi, Bomet, Narok, Kajiado |
| 5 | Marsabit, Wajir, Mandera, Samburu, Garissa |
| 6 | Kiambu, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Nairobi |
| 7 | Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Isiolo, Kitui, Machakos, Makueni |
| 8 | Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Taita Taveta |
Note: Cluster 1 (Western Kenya) started training first. Rollout is sequential to cover the country.
Disbursement & Youth Support
Eligibility & Application
- Age: 18-29, up to 35 for PWDs
- Education: Up to Form 4 or equivalent
- Apply via USSD *254# (select NYOTA project)
Business Support & Start-Up Capital
- Total support: KSh 50,000 in two tranches (KSh 25,000 after training, KSh 25,000 after mentorship/verification)
Process Flow
- Apply and shortlisted
- Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test (EAT)
- Four-day business services training
- Mentorship/incubation (~2 months)
- Disbursement of first KSh 25,000 tranche
- Disbursement of second KSh 25,000 tranche
- Enrolled in NSSF Haba Haba savings and ongoing support
Savings & Other Support
- NSSF Haba Haba savings scheme with matching incentives
- Maternity benefit for expectant mothers saving KSh 400/month for 4 months
- Access to digital skills, labor market information, and procurement opportunities
Timelines & Targets
- First cohort of 54,000 youth started September 2025
- Verification: 24-25 October 2025
- Disbursement started 4 November 2025
- Project targets: 110,000 youth entrepreneurs, 20,000 certified artisans, 90,000 youth skilled/employed, 600,000 trained in procurement/financial literacy
Important Notes
- Attendance at training/mentorship is mandatory for disbursement
- Only one intervention per youth at a time
- Disbursement depends on cluster rollout, verification, and mentorship compliance
- All 47 counties included; PWDs eligible up to 35
- Funding gaps may affect rollout
Contact & Support
Toll-free: 0800 222 221 | Email: info@nyotaproject.go.ke
Visit your County MSEA office for business support.
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Written by BCN Networks • Promoting youth economic empowerment. Visit bcnnetworks.com.

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