By Robert Mutasi 
More than 6,900 young people from three North Rift counties received a combined Sh172.85 million in the second tranche of grants under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) program, officials said Monday.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen presided over the disbursement at Eldoret Sports Club in Uasin Gishu County. The funds are part of a nationwide rollout in which President William Ruto oversaw the distribution of Sh3.06 billion to 122,203 beneficiaries.
Of the 6,914 beneficiaries from Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, 4,693 received the second tranche — Sh22,000 each plus Sh3,000 for National Social Security Fund savings. Another 2,221 received their first disbursement.
Uasin Gishu County had the most recipients at 2,734, followed by Nandi with 2,646 and Elgeyo Marakwet with 1,534.
Murkomen urged the youth to use the money prudently for viable businesses rather than non-essential spending.
“Don’t despise the days of humble beginnings,” Murkomen said. “We have all listened to the testimonies of success made by beneficiaries for the first phase and we hope this will be an inspiring example to the upcoming young business people on the prudent use of this government support.”
He was joined by Deputy Head of Public Service Amos Njoroge Gathecha, several principal secretaries, Governors Stephen Sang of Nandi and Wesley Rotich of Elgeyo Marakwet, lawmakers and other officials.
Rotich encouraged the beneficiaries to market their ventures through social media and digital platforms to attract customers and boost profits, rather than engaging in unproductive online activities.
Beneficiaries shared success stories from the first phase of funding. Edwin Kiplagat said he used his grant to start a poultry farm, buying 50 chicks and earning Sh5,000 in monthly profit after expenses. Sharon Chebet said she opened a coffin shop that now generates up to Sh70,000 in monthly profit.
The NYOTA program provides business development grants, mentorship and access to additional credit to help young Kenyans establish and grow income-generating enterprises in sectors such as poultry farming, retail and fabrication.
Eldoret Leo