- The national Nyota Project verification exercise set for October 17, 2025, has been postponed.
- The move follows the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and a national mourning directive by President William Ruto.
- The exercise will resume later on new dates to be announced.
- Nyota Project targets to empower 100,000 young entrepreneurs across all wards.
- The government and World Bank are jointly funding the Sh5 billion initiative.
The government has postponed the nationwide verification for the Nyota Project that was to take place on Friday, October 17, 2025.
The decision came after the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and a national mourning period was declared by President William Ruto.
In a statement, MSME Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni said all involved parties, Principal Secretaries, elected leaders, and stakeholders will be informed once a new date is set.
“The State Department for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development wishes to inform the public that the verification exercise scheduled for Friday, 17th October 2025, across the 290 constituencies, has been postponed,” the statement read.
PS Mang’eni said the postponement was out of respect for Odinga, describing him as a true patriot who dedicated his life to the country’s unity and progress.
“We join the Nation in mourning the loss of a great statesman and patriot who dedicated his life to the service, peace, unity, and progress of our beloved country,” she added.
Raila Odinga, 80, died in Kochi, India, after suffering a cardiac arrest while receiving medical treatment. He was a towering figure in Kenyan politics, having served as Prime Minister and remained an influential voice for decades.
The Nyota Project, officially called the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement Programme, is a Sh5 billion partnership between the Government of Kenya and the World Bank.
It seeks to empower young people to start and grow their businesses across all 1,450 wards.
Each successful applicant will receive Sh50,000 in startup grants, benefiting around 100,000 youth nationwide.
The project also includes training opportunities for youth to gain job skills, certifications, and access to government procurement.
It aims to train 90,000 youth, certify 20,000, and equip 600,000 with entrepreneurial and AGPO knowledge.
President Ruto said the programme forms part of his administration’s wider plan to create jobs and empower the youth, alongside housing, digital jobs, and labour mobility programs.
“Nyota will empower the next generation of innovation drivers and expand enterprise,” said President Ruto during the launch.
PS Mang’eni assured that the Nyota Project is gender-balanced, ensuring equal opportunities for both young men and women.
She said the initiative will also promote savings culture, improve market access, and enhance youth employability.
Meanwhile, President Ruto has suspended all public engagements to give the country time to honour and reflect on Odinga’s legacy.
