By Editor
The Governments of Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, and Bungoma counties have jointly announced a two-year waiver of business licences for all beneficiaries of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project in the Western region.
The move aims to ease the cost of doing business for young entrepreneurs receiving a Ksh. 50,000 grant under the programme to start and expand their ventures. A total of 12,155 beneficiaries from the Western Cluster began receiving their first tranche of Ksh. 25,000 on Friday, amounting to Ksh. 267 million disbursed.
The announcement was made during a fireside chat hosted by Hon. Susan Mangeni, Principal Secretary in the State Department for MSME Development. In attendance were Governor Wilberforce Otichillo (Vihiga), Governor Paul Otuoma (Busia), Governor Kenneth Lusaka (Bungoma), and Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula.
The county leaders pledged additional support for the NYOTA Project through initiatives such as access to County Biashara Funds, allocation of county government market stalls, and priority access to tenders under the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) framework.
Speaking during the event, President Dr. William Ruto lauded the project’s fully digital and transparent system, saying it underscores the government’s commitment to equitable access to opportunities for young Kenyans.
“The NYOTA Project embodies our vision of empowering young people through innovation, transparency, and inclusion. The digital superhighway and constituency-based digital hubs will further open up spaces for youth to thrive,” the President said.
Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSME Development, Hon. FCPA Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya, described NYOTA as a “new wave of entrepreneurship” that is redefining Kenya’s economic landscape. He urged county governments to sustain close collaboration with the National Government to unleash the full potential of youth-led enterprises.
Also present were Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, and Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya, alongside principal secretaries, elected leaders, and implementing partners.
The NYOTA Project is part of the government’s broader youth empowerment strategy, targeting thousands of young entrepreneurs across the country with financial support, business training, and access to digital tools to foster sustainable economic growth.
