The Kenyan government has received over 1.4 million applications for the Ksh50,000 grant under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme, a World Bank-funded initiative addressing youth unemployment. Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya informed the National Assembly's Trade Committee that 180,000 applicants have been shortlisted, with the official launch set for September 18, 2025.

• 1.4 million applications were received through the USSD *254# platform.
• 180,000 applicants have been shortlisted, with 46 percent being women and 26,000 people with disabilities.
• Each successful applicant will receive Ksh50,000 in two instalments and Business Development Services (BDS) training.
• The first phase of the rollout targets a cohort of 54,000 selected applicants, with President William Ruto confirming Ksh5 billion has been released for distribution to 70 youths in each ward.
• The Trade Committee expressed concern over the slow implementation and specific requirements for accessing funds.