More Marsabit youths to benefit as Nyota Programme allocation rises to Sh41 million

SEBASTIAN MIRITI AND ANTHONY MELLY-KNA

Marsabit County has received an increased allocation under the government’s Nyota Programme following a surge in demand from young people seeking business grants.

Speaking during the launch of the Nyota Programme Tranche II at Marsabit Stadium, Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Dr Raymond Omollo said the county’s allocation had risen from Sh37 million disbursed during the first phase to Sh41 million in the second phase to accommodate more beneficiaries.

Dr Omollo attributed the increase to the growing number of youths expressing interest in the programme after witnessing its impact and success.

“The demand for Nyota has grown significantly. Initially, many young people were unsure whether the programme was genuine, but after seeing their peers receive grants and establish businesses, more have come forward to apply,” he said.

The PS said the government had increased the number of beneficiaries in Marsabit, with the programme targeting between 70 and 84 youths in each of the county’s 20 wards. 

The principal secretary added that the Nyota Programme is designed to help young people to overcome one of the biggest barriers to entrepreneurship, that of limited access to startup capital, which the government has resolved to address.

The programme, which supports youth aged between 18 and 29 years with a window to 35 years for those living with disabilities, extends a Sh25,000 grant to every beneficiary.

The capital comprises sh23,000 for business support and sh3,000 directly deposited into the beneficiary’s account as savings in a move aimed at promoting a culture of saving.

Dr Omollo said the government had built the entrepreneurship capacity of the beneficiaries with business skills through training and mentorship while continuous follow-up has been initiated to ensure the funds are invested in sustainable income-generating activities.

Despite the increased allocation, Omollo encouraged young people to take advantage of other government financing programmes to access additional capital for business growth.

“Nyota is only one of the government’s economic empowerment programmes. Young people who need more capital should also explore these other government funds to grow their businesses,” he said.