The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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A majority of Kenyans remain unconvinced about the transparency of the Nyota Fund, according to a new opinion poll.
The survey by Infotrak shows that only 25 per cent of respondents believe the fund’s application and selection process is transparent, while 31 per cent say it is not. Skepticism is highest in the Coast region, where 42 per cent of respondents expressed doubts about the process.
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Distrust is also most pronounced among older Kenyans aged 46 and above, with 42 per cent questioning the fund’s transparency. Meanwhile, 29 per cent of unemployed respondents feel the government-funded initiative is very transparent.
The poll further reveals differing public perceptions about the fund’s main objective. Nationally, 60 per cent of respondents view Nyota primarily as a business grant programme. However, in Northeastern Kenya, 42 per cent believe its core focus is on mentorship and training — the highest proportion recorded in any region.
When asked who should benefit most, 26 per cent of respondents said priority should go to young people with business ideas, regardless of their level of education. This view is strongest in the Rift Valley and among those aged 46 and above, both at 35 per cent.
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The Nyota project is a five-year government initiative supported by the World Bank, targeting 820,000 unemployed youth aged between 18 and 29, with the age limit extended to 35 for persons living with disabilities.
The poll was conducted on January 24, sampling 800 adult Kenyans across all 47 counties. The survey used a population proportionate-to-size sampling method based on the 2019 census, with a margin of error of ±3.46 per cent at a 95 per cent confidence level.
President William Ruto has been touring different parts of the country to oversee the disbursement of funds. On Monday, he was in Kisumu, where more than Sh220 million was issued to over 8,000 young people.
The President has defended the programme’s integrity, assuring the public that corruption will not be tolerated.
Under the Business Support Component, beneficiaries receive start-up capital to either start or expand small businesses, but only after completing the required training.
Phase Two of the programme follows a nationwide training exercise and builds on earlier fund disbursements made in other counties.
The project also includes a structured mentorship and business development framework designed to help young entrepreneurs acquire skills and guidance needed to build sustainable enterprises.
Officials have advised beneficiaries to follow official schedules and attend designated venues, warning that all updates will be communicated exclusively through official Nyota platforms.
