NYOTA beneficiaries to get two-year business permit waiver

President William Ruto has directed the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) to work with county governments to implement a two-year business permit waiver for all beneficiaries of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme.

The move is aimed at easing the cost of starting and growing businesses.

The President said young entrepreneurs should be given sufficient time to establish their enterprises before being subjected to the full cost of regulatory compliance.

He announced the directive on Friday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang'ata, Nairobi, during the disbursement of the second tranche of NYOTA programme funds to more than 122,000 young entrepreneurs drawn from all 47 counties.

According to Ruto, the beneficiaries are collectively receiving more than Sh3 billion in business support under the programme, describing it as one of the country's largest coordinated investments in youth entrepreneurship.

"Having seen what these young entrepreneurs have achieved with modest support, the Government of Kenya now has a responsibility to remove the barriers that still stand in their way. Success should never be constrained by unnecessary bureaucracy," he said.

"I therefore direct the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council, working together with the county governments, to develop and implement a two-year business permit waiver for all NYOTA beneficiaries."

Beyond the permit waiver, the President directed the Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development to establish a national identification mechanism for all NYOTA beneficiaries.

He said the identification system will enable beneficiaries to access government services, incentives and business opportunities more seamlessly.

Ruto also instructed government financing institutions, including the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, the Women Enterprise Fund, Kenya Industrial Estates and other relevant agencies, to establish dedicated financial products tailored specifically for NYOTA beneficiaries.

He said the government wants to ensure that entrepreneurs who successfully utilise the initial grants have access to additional financing as their businesses expand.

"The first grant must never become the last opportunity. As businesses grow, they require larger financing, better equipment, wider markets and stronger partnerships. Government must provide a clear pathway from start-up to sustainable enterprise," he said.

The President said supporting youth-led enterprises remains central to the government's strategy of creating jobs, expanding economic opportunities and reducing unemployment among young people.

He noted that investments in entrepreneurship have the potential to stimulate local economies, create employment and increase household incomes across the country.

The NYOTA programme seeks to support young entrepreneurs by providing grants, business development services, mentorship and skills development to help them establish and grow sustainable enterprises.

The second phase of the programme targets more than 122,000 beneficiaries across the country, with the Sh3 billion disbursement expected to strengthen small businesses and improve access to economic opportunities for young Kenyans.

The latest directives signal the government's intention to complement financial support with policy measures aimed at reducing the cost of doing business, while creating a structured pathway for beneficiaries to access larger financing and other enterprise support programmes as their businesses grow.