GOVERNOR BARASA GRANTS TWO-YEAR BUSINESS LICENCE FEE WAIVER TO NYOTA BENEFICIARIES TO SUPPORT YOUTH ENTERPRISES.

Thousands of young people from Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia and Bungoma counties today received a major boost following the launch of the second tranche of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Fund disbursement programme at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST).

The Kakamega event was part of a nationwide rollout of NYOTA disbursements, with the main launch presided over by H.E. President Dr. William Ruto at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi and replicated across the country. A total of KSh 3 billion is being disbursed to 122,000 NYOTA beneficiaries across all 47 counties, expanding access to affordable financing for youth and entrepreneurs.

Today’s disbursement saw 88,934 beneficiaries under the second tranche receive KSh 25,000 each, bringing their total NYOTA support to KSh 50,000, while 33,269 new beneficiaries under the first tranche received their initial KSh 25,000 grant.

Addressing the beneficiaries, H.E. Governor Dr. Fernandes Barasa, FCPA, OGW, announced that his administration will exempt NYOTA beneficiaries from paying county business licence fees for two years, giving their enterprises room to grow, create jobs and become sustainable. He said empowering young people with skills, capital and opportunities is one of the surest pathways to economic growth.

Governor Barasa described NYOTA as more than a financial grant, but an investment in unlocking the creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial potential of Kenya’s youth. He urged beneficiaries to invest the funds prudently, embrace financial discipline, proper record keeping, savings and continuous learning to build sustainable enterprises that improve livelihoods and contribute to local economic growth.

The event was attended by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs H.E. Musalia Mudavadi, Members of Parliament, Principal Secretaries, senior government officials and other leaders.