The Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development has announced the postponement of the NYOTA Project verification exercise.
In a statement on Wednesday, October 15, Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni said the decision was necessitated by the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
"The State Department for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development wishes to inform the public, all Principal Secretaries, elected leaders, all applicants of the NYOTA project and other stakeholders, that the national verification exercise scheduled for Friday, 17th October 2025, across the 290 Constituencies, has been postponed," she said.
Mang’eni explained that the ministry had taken into account the mood of the nation and the directive by President William Ruto declaring a mourning period until the day of Raila’s interment.
"This decision follows the untimely passing of the Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya, the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, E.G.H., earlier today, and the Presidential Proclamation issued by His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H., President of the Republic of Kenya, announcing a period of national mourning from today until sunset on the day of the late leader's interment," she added.
Read More
According to the ministry, fresh dates for the verification process will be announced later once the national mourning period concludes.
Earlier Wednesday, Ruto declared seven days of national mourning following Raila's death.
According to the Head of State, during this period, all flags will fly at half-mast at the State House and all Kenyan diplomatic posts around the world.
"In honor of the right honorable Raila Odinga and his immense contribution to the nation of Kenya, I have declared a 7-day period of mourning across Kenya during which the national flag shall fly at half-mast across the nation and in our missions abroad," he said.
Ruto also revealed that he has postponed all his public engagements for the coming days.
"As a mark of respect, I have postponed all my public engagements for the coming days, and I ask all the other public servants and leaders to do the same so we can join the country in mourning," he added.
Additionally, Ruto announced that the late former Prime Minister will be accorded a state funeral.
He said the government, in consultation with the Odinga family, has constituted a committee to oversee the funeral arrangements.
The team will be co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Raila's brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga.
"Our former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, shall be accorded a state funeral. In consultation with the family, a committee to be co-chaired by the Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki and the Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has been set up to coordinate the funeral arrangements," he said.
Ruto also revealed that the Government of India has stepped in to assist with the repatriation of Raila’s remains, following a formal request from Kenya.
"At the same time, the Government of India, at the request of the Government of Kenya, has offered to facilitate the repatriation of the remains of our former Prime Minister," he added.
Ruto further stated that a high-level delegation, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, will travel to India immediately to coordinate the process.
"Consequently, a delegation comprising government officials and family members, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, is leaving immediately for India to facilitate proper organisation in the repatriation of the remains of our brother," he further said.
