NYOTA Project in Kenya: A Complete Guide for Youth Applicants

Thousands of young men between the age of 18 and 29 have this year been benefiting from a government-run fund that offers them upto Ksh 50,000 business startup support.

This amount, according to beneficiaries, is being handed over in two phases – where the first stage, a beneficiary receives a deposit of Ksh 25,000 followed by another deposit of equal amount after some time of assessment.

The NYOTA Project is a government-backed initiative aimed at empowering Kenyan youth with business grants, employment opportunities, and skills training. If you’re a young Kenyan looking to start a business, gain mentorship, or improve your employability, this guide will walk you through eligibility, application steps, and what to expect.

Who is Eligible for NYOTA Funds?

To qualify for the NYOTA Project, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Kenyan citizenship — You must be a citizen of Kenya.

Age requirements — Between 18–29 years; youth with disabilities can apply up to 35 years, provided they are registered with the relevant authority.

Valid identification — You must have a National ID and a SIM card registered in your name.

Education level — Most streams target youth with at most Form 4 / KCSE education; higher education holders may not qualify for certain grants.

Employment status — Preference is given to unemployed, underemployed, or low-income youth, particularly for business-grant streams.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee funding, but it ensures your application is considered for review.

How to Apply for NYOTA Funds

Applying for NYOTA is straightforward and can be done entirely via your mobile phone:

Dial *254# on your phone.

From the menu, select “NYOTA Project” or “NYOTA”.

Fill in your personal details — name, ID number, age, education level, residence/ward, etc. Make sure your SIM registration matches your National ID.

Submit your application and wait for SMS confirmation.

Additional Steps (If Applicable)

Certain applicants, particularly those applying for business support, may need to complete extra steps:

Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test (EAT): Send “NYOTA” to 40270 and answer the 19 prompted questions.

Physical validation: After initial application, attend a verification exercise at your constituency headquarters or assigned centre. Bring your original National ID (and disability ID if applicable).

During validation, officials will confirm your residency, education, and employment status.

What Happens Next

Once your application is validated:

You may be notified via SMS and invited to induction or training sessions.

Business grant beneficiaries may receive startup funds (typically KSh 50,000) to launch or expand a business.

The program also offers apprenticeship/employment support, business mentorship, capacity building, and financial education.

Important Cautions: Avoid Scams

To stay safe and avoid losing money:

The official NYOTA Project does not have any loan apps or charge application fees.

Do not pay anyone via M-Pesa or other platforms to process your application — all official application and validation steps are free of charge.

Only trust information from official NYOTA channels. Ignore adverts or SMS messages promising faster processing in exchange for money.

Final Thoughts

The NYOTA Project is a genuine opportunity for Kenyan youth to start businesses, gain skills, and secure employment. By following the correct application channels, staying informed, and avoiding scams, you can maximize your chances of benefiting from this initiative.

For the official NYOTA website, visit: https://nyotaproject.go.ke