President William Ruto has unveiled a new initiative that will see 100,000 young people across all wards in Kenya receive Sh50,000 each as startup capital to support their entrepreneurial ventures.
Speaking on Thursday during the National Youth Service (NYS) recruits’ passing-out parade at the NYS Paramilitary Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, the President said the program is aimed at creating employment opportunities for the youth and spurring innovation at the grassroots level.
The first batch of 54,000 beneficiaries has already been identified and will begin receiving funds and training in September. Ruto emphasized that the initiative is not just about disbursing money but also equipping the youth with relevant skills to ensure the sustainability of their businesses.
“Across every ward in Kenya, 100,000 young people will each receive Sh50,000 startup capital. Next month, the first batch of 54,000 men and women will receive these funds and begin their training,” he said.
The President added that the government is committed to ensuring more young Kenyans benefit from opportunities through the expansion of the NYS. He announced that recruitment into the service will grow from the current 20,000 to 100,000 by 2028, marking the largest expansion in its history.
“We are undertaking far-reaching reforms to transform the National Youth Service into a dynamic and productive institution, one that is truly fit for purpose and capable of equipping our young people with market-relevant skills,” he said.
This year’s parade saw over 18,000 recruits graduate after six months of rigorous paramilitary and technical training. The colorful event featured precision drills, parades, and demonstrations, highlighting the discipline instilled in the graduates.
Over the years, NYS has broadened its mandate beyond paramilitary instruction to include technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial training. This has positioned it as a key driver in youth empowerment and national development.
With the new startup fund and expansion plan, the government hopes to create a pipeline where young people can transition into higher learning, join disciplined services, or establish enterprises that contribute to economic growth.
