Beneficiaries of NYOTA funds celebrate after receiving the money during the disbursement on January 13, 2026/PCS
There were smiles and excitement at Archers Post in Samburu on Tuesday as President William Ruto launched the disbursement of the NYOTA project business start-up capital to youth from four northern counties.
The President unveiled Sh103.9 million, earmarked to support emerging youth-led enterprises in Samburu, Marsabit, Laikipia and Isiolo.
In total, 4,159 young entrepreneurs will benefit from the initiative, each receiving Sh25,000 to either start or grow their businesses.
A beneficiary shows President William Ruto the confirmation message of NYOTA funds on his phone during the disbursement at Archers Post in Samburu on January 13, 2026/PCS 
A beneficiary shows President William Ruto the confirmation message of NYOTA funds on his phone during the disbursement at Archers Post in Samburu on January 13, 2026/PCS
Under the arrangement, Sh22,000 will be deposited into Pochi La Biashara to help beneficiaries manage business expenses, while Sh3,000 will be saved through NSSF’s Haba Na Haba account to promote a culture of savings and future social security.
Addressing the gathering, Ruto said the project is part of his government’s commitment to expanding economic opportunities for young people and encouraging enterprise over dependence.
A beneficiary shows President William Ruto the confirmation message of NYOTA funds on his phone during the disbursement at Archers Post in Samburu on January 13, 2026/PCS 
A beneficiary displays the confirmation message of NYOTA funds on his phone during the disbursement at Archers Post in Samburu on January 13, 2026/PCS 
A section of beneficiaries celebrate after receiving the confirmation message of NYOTA funds on their phones during the disbursement at Archers Post in Samburu on January 13, 2026/PCS 
A section of beneficiaries check confirmation messages of NYOTA funds on their phones during the disbursement at Archers Post in Samburu on January 13, 2026/PCS
Local leaders welcomed the move, saying the funding would stimulate micro-business activity and boost incomes in pastoral and trading communities across the region.
The launch ended in a celebratory mood as the first batch of beneficiaries confirmed receipt of funds, marking a new chapter for youth entrepreneurship in northern Kenya.
A beneficiary displays the confirmation message of NYOTA funds on his phone during the disbursement at Archers Post in Samburu on January 13, 2026/PCS 
Some of the beneficiaries celebrate during the disbursement at Archers Post in Samburu on January 13, 2026/PCS 
A beneficiary confirmation message of NYOTA funds on his phone during the disbursement at Archers Post in Samburu on January 13, 2026/PCS 
President William Ruto with MSMEs Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during the disbursement at Archers Post in Samburu on January 13, 2026/PCS 
MSMEs Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during the disbursement at Archers Post in Samburu on January 13, 2026/PCS 
Some of the beneficiaries check confirmation message of NYOTA funds on their phones during the disbursement at Archers Post in Samburu on January 13, 2026/PCS 
President William Ruto shakes hands with residents during the disbursement at Archers Post in Samburu on January 13,2026/PCS 
MSMEs Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni with some of the beneficiaries during the disbursement of NYOTA funds at Archers Post in Samburu on January 13, 2026/PCS 
A section of beneficiaries take selfies with President William Ruto during the disbursement of NYOTA funds at Archers Post in Samburu on January 13, 2026/PCS 
A beneficiary shows President William Ruto the confirmation message of NYOTA funds on his phone during the disbursement at Archers Post in Samburu on January 13, 2026/PCS