77% of Kenyans Say KSh 50,000 Nyota Fund Grant Is Enough to Start a Business
A recent nationwide survey conducted by research firm Infotrak has found that a significant majority of Kenyans—77%—believe the KSh 50,000 startup grant provided under the government's Nyota Fund (National Youths Opportunities Towards Advancement) is adequate to kickstart a small business. Only 19% of respondents felt the amount was too modest to make a meaningful impact, while 3% remained undecided.
The poll, which sampled 620 individuals from all 47 counties, highlights broad optimism about the initiative's potential to empower young entrepreneurs, particularly those facing unemployment or limited access to capital. The Nyota program, launched by President William Ruto in partnership with the World Bank, offers non-repayable grants (not loans) to jobless youth, accompanied by mandatory entrepreneurship training, business coaching, and mentorship. Beneficiaries typically receive the funds in two installments (often KSh 25,000 each, with portions directed to savings accounts like NSSF's Haba na Haba), aiming to support around 100,000 young people nationwide—at least 70 per ward
Key insights from the survey include:
-High awareness levels: 78% of Kenyans are familiar with the Nyota Fund, with the highest recognition in Eastern (88%) and Central (85%) regions, and Nairobi (78%). Awareness dips to 71% in North Eastern.
-Gender differences: Men showed higher awareness (82%) compared to women (73%).
Age breakdown: The strongest understanding and support came from adults aged 26–45.
-Purpose comprehension: Most respondents correctly identified the fund's focus on providing startup capital for businesses, though confusion persisted in some areas—such as North Eastern, where 41% mistakenly thought it emphasized training and mentorship alone.
-Participation rates: Just 36% of those surveyed reported direct involvement (either as participants or closely connected applicants), with nearly half having no engagement and 11% applying unsuccessfully.
The findings suggest growing confidence in grassroots economic interventions amid ongoing efforts to address youth unemployment through self-employment. Disbursements continue across counties, with recent events in regions like Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, and others releasing millions in startup capital to thousands of beneficiaries who have completed training.
While the survey reflects positive sentiment toward the program's design and grant size for entry-level ventures, opinions may vary based on individual business ideas, location-specific costs, and inflation pressures. The Nyota initiative remains a flagship youth empowerment effort under the broader "bottom-up" economic strategy.
