More than 122,000 young entrepreneurs who received start-up capital under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project have begun mandatory mentorship sessions, marking the next phase of the government's programme aimed at supporting youth-owned businesses.
The mentorship programme officially commenced on Monday, August 10, 2026, following the disbursement of start-up capital grants to the beneficiaries on July 10.
The government has deployed 4,879 mentors across the country to guide the beneficiaries as they establish and grow their businesses.
According to the Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, each beneficiary has been assigned a mentor who is an experienced business practitioner, with each mentor expected to handle no more than 20 mentees.
The mentorship programme will cover areas including business site visits, peer-to-peer mentorship, business case experiences, coaching, counselling and market linkages.
The government has warned beneficiaries that completing the mentorship programme is mandatory for them to qualify for the next level of support, urging them to participate fully.
The development comes as the government moves to expand financing opportunities for NYOTA beneficiaries beyond the initial start-up grants.
The Ministry said it is developing innovative and blended financing products that will enable beneficiaries to access additional financing through government catalytic funds.
The move follows President William Ruto's directive to expand access to financing for NYOTA beneficiaries during the start-up capital disbursement exercise last month.
The government is also working with county governments to establish a framework for implementing business licence waivers for NYOTA beneficiaries, with the aim of improving their access to markets and viable trading spaces.
Another major component of the programme is expected to target more than 600,000 young entrepreneurs through training on the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) programme.
The training is scheduled to begin next month and is intended to help young entrepreneurs increase their participation in government procurement opportunities.
Meanwhile, the NYOTA On-the-Job Experience (OJE) component is already underway in 18 counties, where beneficiaries are undertaking Socio-Emotional Skills Development training.
The counties are Isiolo, Marsabit, Laikipia, Samburu, Turkana, Baringo, Nandi, West Pokot, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Lamu, Mombasa, Kilifi, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir and Tana River.
Those who successfully complete the training will proceed to a five-month apprenticeship under experienced master craftsmen and employers.
The apprenticeship is designed to give beneficiaries practical industry experience, mentorship and occupational skills to improve their employability and ability to establish sustainable livelihoods.
The NYOTA Project was rolled out in March 2025 and is targeting young people across all 1,450 wards in Kenya, using a digital platform to provide access to opportunities in skills development, entrepreneurship and employment.
With the start-up capital already disbursed and mentorship now underway, the government is positioning the programme as a pathway for thousands of young Kenyans to move from receiving financial support to building sustainable businesses and livelihoods.
Beneficiaries who fail to complete the mandatory mentorship programme risk missing out on the next level of support.
