Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has come out strongly in defence of the NYOTA youth grant, dismissing claims by some political leaders that the funds are too small to make a meaningful impact on young Kenyans.
Speaking at Kabiruini Showground in Nyeri County, Kindiki said the NYOTA programme marks a critical first step in the government’s broader plan to economically empower the youth. He challenged critics of the initiative to stop tearing it down and instead mobilise additional resources to support young entrepreneurs.
“If you think the money is small, we will give what we are able to give now. Go and look for more money and add to what the government is giving the youth,” Kindiki said.
The Deputy President explained that the current NYOTA allocation does not represent the full extent of government support. He said the State continues to explore new ways to expand youth funding and open more economic opportunities for young people across the country.
Addressing beneficiaries directly, Kindiki urged them to treat the grants as a launchpad rather than a final solution.
“This is just the first step towards your own empowerment,” he said, calling on recipients to use the money wisely and strategically.
Kindiki also rejected the idea that there is a universal standard for what qualifies as a “small” or “sufficient” grant. He argued that success depends less on the amount received and more on how effectively young people invest and grow it.
“There is no little or enough grant. What matters is how you spend the money and what you are able to build from it,” he said.
The Deputy President encouraged young Kenyans to view the NYOTA grant as seed capital – a foundation upon which they can build lasting businesses and livelihoods. He noted that many of today’s successful entrepreneurs started with very limited resources but grew through discipline, innovation and smart financial management.
“I want to encourage our young people to take whatever they will receive today as the first step towards transforming their lives. It is possible to start small and grow big into a successful business person in the future,” Kindiki added.
The NYOTA programme forms part of the government’s wider youth empowerment agenda aimed at tackling unemployment, promoting entrepreneurship and driving inclusive economic growth. By positioning the grants as startup capital rather than handouts, Kindiki said the government wants to nurture a new generation of self-reliant, wealth-creating young Kenyans.
Richard Kamau
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