CS Rebecca Miano Leads NYOTA Regional Launch in Nanyuki, Says Youth Enterprise is Key to Kenya’s Economic Transformation

Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano, EGH, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs, describing youth-led enterprises as the foundation of Kenya’s inclusive economic growth under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Speaking during the Nanyuki Cluster regional launch of the second tranche of the NYOTA Business Support Programme, CS Miano said the initiative demonstrates the Government’s resolve to equip young people with the capital and mentorship needed to establish and expand sustainable businesses.

The event brought together beneficiaries from *Laikipia, Isiolo and Samburu counties, with CS Miano joined by the Principal Secretaries responsible for Defence and Devolution. The regional launch was held simultaneously with similar events across the country as President *William Ruto presided over the national rollout in Nairobi, underscoring the nationwide scale of the programme.

The Government is investing KSh3 billion in the latest phase of the NYOTA Business Support Programme, supporting 122,000 young entrepreneurs across Kenya. Under the rollout, more than 88,000 beneficiaries are receiving a second tranche of KSh25,000 to expand existing enterprises, while 33,269 new beneficiaries are receiving their first disbursement to begin their entrepreneurial journeys.

CS Miano said the progress made by the beneficiaries is a clear demonstration that strategic investment in youth entrepreneurship can deliver tangible economic results. She noted that many of the businesses established under the programme are already creating jobs, generating household incomes and stimulating local economic activity.

She observed that the success stories witnessed across the Nanyuki Cluster illustrate the transformative impact of combining access to affordable capital with structured mentorship. According to the Cabinet Secretary, empowering young people to build viable enterprises not only improves livelihoods but also strengthens the resilience of local economies.

Rebecca Miano has consistently championed initiatives that promote inclusive economic participation, innovation and sustainable livelihoods. Her leadership continues to advance programmes that create opportunities for young people while complementing broader national efforts to accelerate economic growth through enterprise development.

The NYOTA Business Support Programme has emerged as one of the Government’s flagship youth empowerment initiatives, providing financial support, business development training and mentorship to enable young entrepreneurs to establish and grow competitive enterprises.

As implementation of the programme continues across the country, the Government expects thousands more youth-owned businesses to flourish, reinforcing the vision of a vibrant, resilient and inclusive economy where young people are empowered to drive innovation, create employment and contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s long-term development.