NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 12 – The government has disbursed Sh173.2 million to startups under the Nyota Project in Central Kenya as part of efforts to address youth unemployment.
The funding targets 6,982 entrepreneurs across Nyeri, Murang’a, Nyandarua and Kirinyaga counties under the five-year programme supported by the World Bank.
The funds were handed over during an event at the Kabiru-ini ASK Grounds in Nyeri, attended by President William Ruto. The President said the programme is based on merit and not political affiliation, amid criticism that the initiative could be used for political mobilisation.
Ruto said the Nyota programme is being implemented countrywide, citing earlier rollouts in Kakamega, Eldoret and Nakuru, with further disbursements planned for Samburu, Meru, Machakos, Nairobi, the Coast and Nyanza regions.
The Nyota Project is designed to provide seed capital to young entrepreneurs, enabling them to start or expand businesses while supporting job creation at the grassroots level.
