By Jeff Kizzilah
Former Starehe MP Hon. Charles Jaguar on Friday joined President Dr. William Ruto, Deputy President H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, and other national and county leaders during the NYOTA Business Start-Up Capital disbursement for youth from Mombasa, Kwale, and Taita Taveta counties, held at the Jomo Kenyatta Show Ground in Mombasa.
The NYOTA programme seeks to empower young entrepreneurs by providing direct start-up capital to support new and growing businesses, with the government positioning it as a key intervention in tackling youth unemployment and promoting self-reliance.Speaking at the event, Hon. Hon. Charles Jaguar described the initiative as a major boost for young entrepreneurs, noting that access to capital remains one of the biggest barriers facing youth-led enterprises.
“This programme gives young people real capital to start and grow their businesses. I can personally relate — like many creatives, I started small, with support and belief, before building my first creative enterprise. Opportunities like NYOTA make that journey possible for many more young people,” he said.
He further welcomed the collaboration between national and county governments, saying it was encouraging to see leaders working together to empower youth, promote entrepreneurship, and create sustainable livelihoods at the grassroots.
However, the event has also drawn mixed reactions online, with some youths questioning whether such programmes are reaching the most deserving beneficiaries or being used as political showcases ahead of future elections — a debate that continues to trail major government empowerment initiatives.
