The government has released the full January 2026 disbursement schedule for the second phase of the NYOTA Project business start-up capital, marking a major milestone in the rollout of one of Kenya’s largest youth enterprise support programmes.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by MSMEs Development Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni, the disbursement will take place between January 8 and January 16, 2026, covering 27 counties and targeting close to 50,000 youth beneficiaries who have completed mandatory business skills training.
The NYOTA Project’s Business Support Component aims to empower more than 100,000 vulnerable youth across all 1,450 wards nationwide, with a minimum of 70 beneficiaries per ward. The initiative combines cash grants, structured savings, mentorship and ongoing business development support to improve the survival and growth of youth-led enterprises.
The government has already completed the nationwide rollout of classroom-based business skills training, a prerequisite for eligibility under the programme.
January 2026 NYOTA Business Grant Disbursement Schedule by Date and County
The State Department for MSMEs Development has published the following schedule for disbursement and mentorship events, which will be presided over by President William Ruto:
Thursday, January 8, 2026 – Eldoret
Counties covered:
Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Trans-Nzoia, Turkana, West Pokot
Friday, January 9, 2026 – Nakuru
Counties covered:
Nakuru, Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Baringo
Monday, January 12, 2026 – Nanyuki
Counties covered:
Laikipia, Isiolo, Samburu
Monday, January 12, 2026 – Nyeri
Counties covered:
Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 – Meru
Counties covered:
Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu
Thursday, January 15, 2026 – Machakos
Counties covered:
Machakos, Kitui, Makueni
Friday, January 16, 2026 – Nairobi
Counties covered:
Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado
The government said beneficiaries are required to attend the scheduled events as part of the disbursement and mentorship process.
Grant structure and savings component
Under the second phase, each beneficiary will receive a total of KSh 25,000 in business start-up support. Of this amount, KSh 22,000 will be deposited directly into the beneficiary’s NYOTA Pochi la Biashara wallet to finance business operations, while KSh 3,000 will be channelled into a Haba na Haba savings account managed under the National Social Security Fund.
The structured savings component is intended to encourage a culture of long-term financial planning among youth entrepreneurs while strengthening social protection coverage.
Progress of the NYOTA Project
The January rollout follows the first phase of disbursement conducted on November 7, 2025, which targeted counties in the Western region, including Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia and Bungoma.
During the first phase, 12,155 beneficiaries received KSh 25,000 each, bringing the total amount disbursed to KSh 303.9 million. The government said lessons from the initial rollout informed improvements in logistics, training coordination and beneficiary support for subsequent phases.
Mentorship and business development support
Beyond cash grants, all NYOTA Project beneficiaries will undergo a two-month mentorship programme delivered by business development experts and local entrepreneurs.
The mentorship is designed to support youth in entering local markets, strengthening enterprise management skills and integrating their businesses into existing economic ecosystems. Beneficiaries will receive guidance on record keeping, customer acquisition, pricing, compliance and sustainable growth.
In addition, beneficiaries will undertake a second phase of business development training to prepare them for the next tranche of disbursement under the programme.
The State Department for MSMEs Development said beneficiaries are expected to utilise the funds strictly in line with the business plans developed during the classroom training phase. Ongoing technical support will be provided to monitor progress and address implementation challenges.
Phase three counties to be announced
The government said the schedule for the third phase of NYOTA Project disbursement will be announced in due course. The next phase will target 16 counties, including Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River, Mombasa, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Nyamira, Kisii, Marsabit, Garissa, Mandera and Wajir.
The NYOTA Project forms part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce youth unemployment, expand MSME activity and strengthen household incomes through enterprise-led growth.
