NYOTA Project Explained

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

  1. Youth Employability/Skills: Training for youth in work-readiness skills, apprenticeships (On-the-Job Experience – OJE), etc.
  2. Entrepreneurship & Business Start-Up Support: Business training, mentorship, and seed/start-up capital.
  3. Youth Savings Culture: NSSF “Haba Haba” savings scheme with matching incentives.
  4. 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
1Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia
2Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira
3Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana, Laikipia
4Nakuru, Kericho, Nandi, Bomet, Narok, Kajiado
5Marsabit, Wajir, Mandera, Samburu, Garissa
6Kiambu, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Nairobi
7Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Isiolo, Kitui, Machakos, Makueni
8Mombasa, 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

  1. Apply and shortlisted
  2. Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test (EAT)
  3. Four-day business services training
  4. Mentorship/incubation (~2 months)
  5. Disbursement of first KSh 25,000 tranche
  6. Disbursement of second KSh 25,000 tranche
  7. 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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