Apply for the NYOTA youth programme (job training, business capital, savings)
State Department for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy · sources read 2 Oct 2026
When an application window is open, apply for free by dialling *254# and choosing the NYOTA Project option. It is for youth aged 18 to 29 (up to 35 with a disability) with Form Four education or below who are unemployed or in low-paying work.
- Fee
- We couldn't confirm a fee from the official page. Check it there before you pay.
- Where
- On your phone by dialling *254# (NYOTA Project option). Help at county and sub-county youth offices and MSEA offices.
What you need
- Your national ID card
- A phone SIM card registered in your own name and ID
Steps
- Dial *254#, choose the NYOTA Project option and follow the prompts to apply.
- Wait for an SMS confirming your application was received.
- Eligible applicants are picked at random. If you are selected, NYOTA sends you an official SMS with the next steps.
- Need help applying? Visit the county or sub-county youth office or a Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA) office, or call NYOTA free on 0800 222 221.
- Once selected, you are automatically enrolled in NSSF Haba Haba savings and given an NSSF membership number.
Watch out
- Applying is completely free. Do not pay anyone a registration, application or service fee.
- You can only apply when a window is open. New windows are announced on NYOTA's official channels.
- You can benefit from only one NYOTA option (for example job training or business support), not several.
Who can apply
- Youth aged 18 to 29, or up to 35 for persons with disabilities
- Education up to Form Four level or below
- Unemployed, underemployed or in low-income work, in any of the 47 counties
Official sources (4)
- FAQs nyotaproject.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- NYOTA Project *254# On-the-Job Experience (OJE) component reopens nationwide nyotaproject.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Youth Savings nyotaproject.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- NYOTA Call for Application msea.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026