Lusaka leads western counties to announce 2-year waiver of licenses for 12k Nyota Project beneficiaries

The Governments of Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, and Bungoma counties have jointly announced a two-year waiver of business licences for all beneficiaries of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project in the Western region.

The decision is intended to ease the cost of doing business for the young entrepreneurs who are receiving a Ksh. 50,000 business grant to start and grow their enterprises.

At least 12,155 neneficiaries from the Western Cluster began receiving their first tranche of Ksh. 25,000 today totalling to Ksh.267 million. 

The announcement was made in November during a fireside chat hosted by Hon. Susan Mangeni, Principal Secretary in the State Department for MSME Development.

In attendance were Governor Wilberforce Otichillo of Vihiga, Governor Paul Otuoma of Busia, Governor Kenneth Lusaka of Bungoma, and Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula.

The County leaders pledged additional county-level support for the NYOTA Project, including access to County Biashara Funds, allocation of county government stalls, and opportunities to benefit from county tenders under the AGPO framework.

Speaking during the fireside chat, President Dr. William Ruto reiterated that the project’s fully digital and transparent processes reflect the Government’s dedication to ensuring equal access to opportunity.

The President further reaffirmed his commitment to completing the 100,000-kilometre digital superhighway and establishing digital hubs in every constituency, which will expand digital access and opportunities for young people across the country.

Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSME Development, Hon. FCPA Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya, praised the NYOTA initiative as a new wave of entrepreneurship that is reshaping Kenya’s economic landscape.

He encouraged county governments to continue collaborating with the National Government to unlock the full potential of the country’s youth.

The event was also attended by the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Musalia Mudavadi; the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya; principal secretaries, elected leaders, and project implementation partners.