President William Ruto has revealed plans to provide a Ksh6,000 monthly stipend to 90,000 youths in an on-the-job training programme during the NYOTA event in Eldoret. He also highlighted the disbursement of Ksh250 million to 9,500 youths and clarified proper use of funds. The event took place on January 8, 2026.
At the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) business start-up capital disbursement event in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, President William Ruto demonstrated the government's commitment to providing economic opportunities for youths. He stated that the government will support 90,000 youths through on-the-job training, attaching them to master craftsmen for skills transfer, and they will receive a Ksh6,000 monthly stipend for six months. "They will be attached to master craftsmen and women for skills transfer and receive a Ksh6,000 stipend a month for six months. The master craftsmen will also be paid, as the government also meets the cost of certification," Ruto said.
Additionally, the government will train 600,000 persons with disabilities to participate in government procurement opportunities. Ruto also mentioned support for 20,000 youths under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) component of NYOTA, funding certification courses to ease their transition into employment.
Regarding NYOTA, a five-year World Bank-funded initiative, Ksh250 million has been disbursed to 9,500 youths from counties including Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, and West Pokot. Each beneficiary received Ksh22,000 for their enterprises and Ksh3,000 deposited into National Social Security Fund (NSSF) savings accounts. "Each beneficiary has received Ksh22,000 to grow their enterprises. An additional Ksh3,000 has been deposited into the young businesspeople's savings accounts at the National Social Security Fund," Ruto added.
Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya warned against misuse of funds, stating they cannot be used for loan repayments or betting. Funds are disbursed via a dedicated mobile app to track usage. Ruto ordered full transparency and dismissed corruption allegations, saying, "I am very happy that there is no one who has been pushed to be here or anyone who has bribed anyone to be here. If there is anyone who has bribed his way to this list, let them stand."
Ruto also criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for promoting tribal politics in Grade 10 student placements, stating, "Leave our children alone. Let our children learn."
The NYOTA programme targets youths aged 18 to 29 with a maximum of Form 4 education, providing up to Ksh50,000 in start-up capital in two phases.
