Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has waived business permit fees for youth-owned start-ups supported under the NYOTA programme, a move aimed at removing early-stage barriers that often hinder young entrepreneurs.
Speaking in Kerugoya on Wednesday, Governor Waiguru reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, noting that Kirinyaga County is aligning its policies with the national agenda of transforming young people from job seekers into job creators.
The Governor said the NYOTA programme, which celebrates youth talent, resilience and innovation, is empowering 1,265 young people from the county by providing critical skills, exposure and the confidence needed to pursue entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.
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Waiguru explained that county policies have been deliberately aligned to support initiatives such as NYOTA, stressing that waiving business permit fees allows young entrepreneurs to focus on growth and innovation without the burden of regulatory costs.
“As the County Government of Kirinyaga, we are fully committed to supporting this programme. We have waived licenses for our youth so they can start and grow their businesses without unnecessary obstacles,” she said.
She further revealed that the county has allocated Sh60 million to complement the NYOTA initiative, targeting young people who applied for the programme but were not absorbed at the national level.
“With over two million applicants nationally, it is clear that demand for youth empowerment far exceeds the available slots. That is why we have set aside county resources to ensure viable business ideas are not left behind,” Governor Waiguru stated.
Beyond financial support, the Governor announced that the county government will roll out targeted capacity-building programmes to equip young people with entrepreneurial, financial and technical skills required to succeed in business and address unemployment.
To promote equality of opportunity, Waiguru disclosed that Kirinyaga County has proposed amendments to the County Empowerment and Development Fund, converting it from a loan-based facility to a grant-based fund following public participation. She noted that the revised regulations have been tabled before the County Assembly for approval, a move expected to unlock the Sh60 million earmarked for youth empowerment programmes.
The Governor said the reforms are intended to create a more supportive environment for youth-led enterprises, strengthen local entrepreneurship and drive inclusive economic growth across the county.
