World Bank defends Ruto's Nyota programme amid opposition backlash
"The initiative is an innovative, inclusive and transparent way to deal with unemployment."..
✨ Key Highlights
The World Bank has publicly defended Kenya's National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (Nyota) programme, amid significant criticism from opposition leaders including Kalonzo Musyoka and David Maraga. The global lender asserts its support for the initiative as an "innovative, inclusive and transparent way to deal with unemployment among the youth" in Kenya.
- The World Bank is channeling $200 million (Sh25.8 billion) into the Nyota programme.
- Qimiao Fan, World Bank Country Director for Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia and Uganda, stated the program aligns with the World Bank's objective to create better and more inclusive jobs.
- Beneficiaries receive a total of Sh50,000 start-up capital, disbursed in two phases, with Sh22,000 for business operations and Sh3,000 deposited into a NSSF Haba na Haba Savings Account in the first phase.
- The program, a scaled-up version of the Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Program (KYEOP), is scheduled to run from June 21, 2024, to December 31, 2028.
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President Ruto Launches NYOTA Programme, Disbursing Sh126 Million to Youth - February 2026
President William Ruto is scheduled to launch the NYOTA project in Malindi, overseeing the disbursement of funds to beneficiaries in Kilifi, Tana River, and Lamu Counties. He oversaw the disbursement of Sh126 million to 5,040 young entrepreneurs under the NYOTA Programme's Business Start-Up Capital component. This initial support provides Sh25,000 per beneficiary, with Sh22,000 designated for business and Sh3,000 for NSGF savings. Amid criticism from opposition leaders, the World Bank has publicly defended Kenya's National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (Nyota) programme. The global lender asserts its support for the initiative as an "innovative, inclusive and transparent way to deal with unemployment among the youth" in Kenya.
