If you’re a young Kenyan looking to start a business or gain new skills, the NYOTA Fund (National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement) was built for you. This KSh 5 billion initiative is a partnership between the Government of Kenya and the World Bank, designed to help young people turn their business ideas into reality.
Is it for you?
The fund specifically targets young Kenyans (ages 18–29) who are currently unemployed or underemployed. If you are a person living with a disability, the age limit is extended to 35. To qualify, you should:
- Have completed Form 4 or below.
- Have a valid National ID and a SIM card registered in your name.
- (Refugee youth in designated camps are also eligible!)
How do you apply?
No paperwork is needed to start. Just dial *254# on your phone, select the NYOTA Project option, and follow the prompts. If you pass the initial stage, you’ll be invited for a physical validation and a quick business aptitude test to see if you’re ready for training.
Not a Loan
Unlike many other programs, you don’t have to pay this money back. Successful applicants receive roughly KSh 50,000 in start-up capital. This is usually sent in waves—for example, KSh 22,000 goes into your business wallet to get you started, while KSh 3,000 is put into an NSSF savings account to secure your future.
What’s happening right now?
The rollout is moving fast! After a successful first phase in Western Kenya last November, the second phase kicked off in January 2026, spearheaded by President Dr William Ruto. This round covers nearly 50,000 youth across 27 counties. If you haven’t seen your county yet, stay tuned—Phase 3 is coming soon.
NYOTA provides more than just cash; you’ll get mentorship, financial training, and networking opportunities. However, please be careful of scammers. There is no official NYOTA app. All legitimate applications are done through the USSD code or official government channels.
