Siaya Governor James Orengo Makes Major Announcement After Ruto’s Kisumu Visit

Siaya Governor James Orengo has made a significant announcement following President William Ruto’s visit to Kisumu, where the Head of State officially launched the NYOTA Start-Up Capital disbursement programme.

President Ruto was in the lakeside city on Monday to roll out the initiative, which is aimed at supporting youth-led businesses across the Nyanza region. 

The event was held at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, where thousands of young entrepreneurs gathered.

During the launch, over 1,700 youths from Siaya County were confirmed as beneficiaries of the programme. The NYOTA initiative—short for National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement—is a World Bank-funded project designed to empower young people through start-up financing.

Each selected beneficiary is set to receive Sh50,000 in total, with Sh25,000 released as the first tranche during the launch. 

The funds are being deposited directly into digital wallets and NSSF savings accounts, a move intended to encourage financial discipline and long-term savings among the youth.

Shortly after the event, Governor Orengo announced an additional measure by the County Government of Siaya aimed at ensuring the success of the youth-owned businesses.

The governor revealed that business permit fees and other related county charges will be waived for the NYOTA beneficiaries. 

The move is intended to lower the cost of doing business and ensure that the start-up funds are used entirely for enterprise growth rather than administrative expenses.

“Following this important intervention, the County Government of Siaya will waive business permit fees and other related charges to incentivize the beneficiaries,” Governor Orengo stated.

The decision has been welcomed as a strategic boost that complements the national government’s youth empowerment efforts. 

By removing local levies, Siaya County is positioning itself as a supportive environment for emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses.

The initiative is expected to play a key role in job creation, innovation, and economic growth among the youth in the region, as both the national and county governments align efforts to promote entrepreneurship.