Kirinyaga County waives business permits for NYOTA program start-ups

Governor Anne Waiguru made the announcement at Kasarani Stadium during a NYOTA event attended by President William Ruto. She said the waiver is intended to help young entrepreneurs focus on growing their businesses without the burden of regulatory costs.

“By waiving licenses, we are enabling youth to start and expand their businesses without unnecessary obstacles,” Waiguru said.

According to the Governor, the NYOTA program, which seeks to nurture youth talent and innovation, has already benefited 1,265 young people from Kirinyaga, providing skills training, exposure, and support to pursue entrepreneurship.

Governor Waiguru also said the county has allocated KSh. 60 million to complement the NYOTA initiative, particularly to support young applicants who were not absorbed into the national program. She added that the county will implement targeted capacity-building programs to equip youth with entrepreneurial, financial, and technical skills.

In a further effort to promote youth empowerment, Waiguru revealed that Kirinyaga County has proposed amendments to the County Empowerment and Development Fund. The changes would convert it from a loan-based facility to a grant-based fund, a move expected to unlock the KSh. 60 million budgeted for youth empowerment programs. The amendments have been tabled before the County Assembly for approval.