The government has reopened applications for Phase Two of the NYOTA Project, with the registration window running from October 6 to October 12.
The programme is designed to support young Kenyans by providing training, job experience, and learning opportunities.
To make the process accessible to all, applications will be done through mobile phones by dialing *254#.
Once connected, users can select 'Apply for NYOTA Project' from the main menu and then choose one of three interventions: Business Support (on-the-job training), On-the-job Experience (internship), or Learning & Practice.
Applicants will then be guided through prompts to complete their registration.
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During the process, individuals will be asked to provide details such as their education level, disability status, county of residence, and employment situation.
Once the information is submitted, applicants receive a confirmation message acknowledging their registration.
Eligibility is limited to Kenyan citizens who possess a valid National Identity Card and a SIM card registered in their own name.
The programme primarily targets youth who have completed secondary education (Form Four/KCSE) but have not advanced to college or university.
Priority will also be given to unemployed or underemployed individuals, particularly those engaged in informal or low-income work.
This comes days after President William Ruto directed all Principal Secretaries to spearhead grassroots engagement in the rollout of the NYOTA Program.
In a statement after a meeting with PSs on Friday, October 3, Ruto announced that Principal Secretaries will be dispatched across the country to ensure seamless coordination.
"On Monday October 6, 2025, all the Principal Secretaries will be in all the 47 counties to meet governors, members of Parliament and county assemblies (MCAs), and chiefs to sensitise the leaders and youth on the programme, and to align implementation at the grassroots," he stated.
Ruto noted that the program’s success depends on the involvement of leaders at all levels of governance, stressing that inclusivity would be the cornerstone of the rollout.
"By involving leaders from the Executive, Legislature, and county governments, the process will be transparent and inclusive, ensuring that every young person has a fair chance to benefit," he added.
Ruto explained that the program is backed by a partnership between the government and the World Bank, adding that it is designed to provide start-up capital for young entrepreneurs drawn from all wards across the country.
"In a partnership between the Government and the World Bank, the initiative will provide Ksh50,000 grants to each of the 70 young people selected from each of our country’s 1,450 wards, enabling them to launch business ventures," he further said.
Ruto stated that the program is not only an investment in the youth but also a catalyst for entrepreneurship and economic transformation in the country.
"This Ksh5 billion programme will support 100,000 young people nationwide. Through NYOTA, we are investing in our youth, unlocking opportunities, and driving enterprise and innovation across Kenya," he concluded.
