By Mandere Onyinkwa
The Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development has announced significant progress in the ongoing NYOTA Project nationwide business mentorship programme.
Covering all 1,450 wards across Kenya, the initiative has already reached 94% of the 121,800 youth beneficiaries who received the first tranche of startup capital.
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According to the Ministry, the mentorship program has been instrumental in guiding young entrepreneurs through site visits, business talks, peer networking, and experience-sharing sessions.
“The mentorship program has revealed that 65% of the mentees are first-time entrepreneurs,” the statement noted, underscoring the project’s role in nurturing emerging business talent.
Gender parity has also been highlighted, with 51% of the mentored beneficiaries being female and 49% male.
Agriculture, livestock, forestry, and fisheries value chains dominate the sectors chosen, accounting for 41% of enterprises, followed by wholesale and retail at 26%.
The mentorship deadline, initially set for 31st March, has now been extended to 8th April 2026 to accommodate the remaining 6% of beneficiaries.
“Beneficiaries who have not engaged with their mentors are urged to contact their constituency NYOTA Project coordinators immediately,” the Ministry urged.
The program will transition into the second phase of mandatory business skills classroom training from 15th April, after which beneficiaries will receive their second tranche of startup capital—Ksh. 25,000, including Ksh. 3,000 savings under the Haba Haba scheme. This will bring the total support to Ksh. 50,000 per participant.
Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni emphasised the broader impact of the initiative: “The Nyota project has also extended economic engagement opportunities to graduate-level youth. Over 3,600 trainers and 5,500 mentors have been engaged to support the NYOTA entrepreneurs.”
