NYOTA Project 2025/2026 Application Form Cycle 2 Registration Portal

The NYOTA Project 2025/2026 Cycle 2 registration second phase is open to all candidates who missed out previously on applying for the first phase of the cycle early this year. Registration can be done online through www.nyotaproject.go.ke or offline with *254# USSD code.

If what hindered you from registering during the first phase is the application steps, do not worry as we have outlined here, all the steps in applying, all available categories, requirements for all categories, deadlines, and other information that will lead you to success.

Overview of the NYOTA Project

The NYOTA Project, officially managed under the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), is a youth empowerment program that supports Kenyan youth in building sustainable livelihoods. This is considerably an opportunity for citizens aged between 18 and 29, with special consideration for youth with disabilities up to 35 years old.

Participants receive support in areas such as entrepreneurship development, vocational training, business mentorship, and access to startup capital through this program. However, how does this happen? Through making employment available, reducing the rate of youth being dependent, and promoting innovation at the grassroots level.

Is NYOTA Project 2025 Application Ongoing?

Yes, the Kenya National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) application is ongoing for individuals who had missed out on the first phase of the program’s cycle 2 which started in May 2025 and ended on 30th April, 2025.

This second phase application has been opened since the 6th of October 2025 to 12th October 2025, with validation forums to begin on 17th October 2025 in all constituencies. Application can easily and fairly be done via USSD *254#applicants will be called for verification with a short entrepreneurship aptitude test that will be done before training starts.

Applications for the NYOTA 2025/2026 Cycle 1 are conducted through the official NYOTA registration portal. Applicants can visit the official website at www.nyotaproject.go.ke to begin the process. The portal allows applicants to create an account, fill in personal information, and upload required details.

Eligibility Criteria for NYOTA Application 2025/2026

To qualify for this project, you must meet specific requirements, these include:

• Age Limit: Applicants must be between 18 and 29 years. Youth with disabilities are eligible up to 35 years.
• Citizenship: Only Kenyan citizens with a valid National Identification Card can apply.
• Education Level: Applicants must have attained at most a secondary school education, candidates with higher qualifications are not eligible for this specific program cycle.
• SIM Card Registration: The SIM card used during registration must be registered under the applicant’s own name and linked to their ID number.
• Employment Status: The program targets unemployed or underemployed youth. Those already benefiting from similar government initiatives such as KYEOP are not eligible to apply again.
• Residency: Applicants should reside in Kenya and be willing to participate in all training and mentorship sessions physically or virtually, depending on the county arrangement.

Categories of NYOTA Project 2025

1. Business Support and Entrepreneurship

This category targets the expansion of employment opportunities through development in entrepreneurship. This will be achieved by the government providing business capital, mentorship, and networks in the market.

Eligibility includes 18 – 29 years old, education level up to form or below, currently unemployed, and residing in any of the 47 counties of the nation including the refugees.

2. Apprenticeship and Employment Training

Interested in learning a skill instead? This is also possible through the apprenticeship and employment training opportunity which is handled by skilled artisans and professionals.

The program training usually lasts for five (5) months for trades in digital, create, grey and blue economies. Additionally, after exceeding 5 months in getting trained, you will be certified with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Also apply for:

• KYEOP Application Form 2025/2026 Registration Portal
• Kazi Mtaani Application 2025/2026 CRSP Registration Form Portal

Courses Available for Apprenticeship

1. Formal Technical Training Courses

The courses available in the formal technical training include the following;

• Baking
• Carpentry
• Catering
• Dressmaking
• Electrical
• Fashion design
• Food processing
• Hairdressing
• ICT
• Masonry
• Operations
• Plumbing
• Solar PV technology
• Welding

2. Master Craftsmen Training

• Agribusiness
• Agro-processing
• Bead making
• Carpentry
• Chemical production
• Cleaning services
• Cobbler
• Dressmaking
• Event planning
• Fashion and design
• Hairdressing
• Landscaping
• Motor vehicle mechanics
• Panel beating and spraying
• Weaving
• Welding and metal fabrication

3. Haba Haba Youth Savings Scheme

Participants are encouraged to join a savings initiative known as Haba Haba, linked with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). The aim of the program is to promote financial discipline and includes matched savings encouragement to help youth in creating their financial security.

4. Capacity Build Youth to Transact with Government

In this aspect, focus is being casted on organizing grooming participants pertaining to funds such as Women Enterprise, Youth Enterprise Fund, Hustlers Fund while aiming to make provision above 5% on tenders.

Requirements for NYOTA Project Application 2025

Basically, NYOTA project are divided into two categories, grant and certification, and their requirements are as follows:

1. Grants

Grant eligible participants of the NYOTA project are to strictly adhere to the following requirements;

• Persons between the age of 18 and 35 are only eligible
• You must have an already existing registered business
• The existing business must have been registered under your name

2. Certification

Participants who are registering under the apprenticeship category are the most certified ones, hence you are to satisfy the qualifications stated below;

• Candidate of any age is eligible to be certified under NYOTA
• Proficiency in at least one craft considerably beneficial to the society and is relevant to the country’s economic is mandatory
• Willingness to undergo training to level up your skill

For other categories, what you need is adhering to the general requirements is all which is expected from you.

Benefits of Joining the NYOTA Project

The NYOTA initiative provides life-changing opportunities for Kenyan youth including the benefit packages:

• Access to Start-up Capital: Participants receive up to KES 50,000 to start or grow their businesses.
• Free Training: All training sessions and mentorship programs are provided at zero cost.
• National Certification: Apprentices and trainees receive official certification for acquiring free skills.
• Mentorship and Networking: Participants benefit from being guided by experienced entrepreneurs and trainers.
• Financial Inclusion: Through the Haba Haba savings program, youth develop the habits of saving habits and have access to social security schemes.
• Employment Opportunities: Apprenticeships open doors for employment in technical industries and enterprises for participating candidates.

How to Apply for NYOTA Project 2025/2026 Cycle 2

The application process is simple and does not involve any charges. Applicants are to apply as follows;

• Visit www.nyotaproject.go.ke click on the “Apply Now” button under the 2025/2026 Cycle 1 section
• Register an account providing your full name, ID information, contact address (phone number and email address)
• Continue filling the application, provide your county, education details, category you are applying for
• Now, review your application form and click on the submission button. You should get an automatic SMS which confirms your application

What if you do not have access to a smart device, how do I apply? Well, that is where the USSD comes in.

You can simply dial *254# on your cellphone, select NYOTA project among the options listed, provide the necessary information, and submit

Normally, the USSD, just like using the portal, does not involve charges, but your service provider might charge you to help you process the application.

When is NYOTA Project 2025 Application Deadline

For this particular cycle, the application deadline is already at the corner, being 12th October 2025. Although there is an airing rumour that the deadline might be shifted due to a significant number of expected applications. Still, we advise against waiting for the closing date to be shifted and apply now.

Conclusion

In as much as this is a government program and the opportunity is likely to be extended to a significant number of people, just a single mistake could screen you out of the list of eligible candidates. 

What you really need is to follow the instructions we have highlighted here, and reach out to us for further explanation in the comment section. Also, more details can be gotten directly from NYOTA at 0800222221.

Congratulations to all the eligible candidates who have applied for this opportunity. If you are getting informed, that is quite unfortunate but there will be another cycle by next year, hence prepare and wait till then.