The barrier to entry for Kirinyaga’s youth just hit zero. Governor Anne Waiguru has declared a "regulatory ceasefire," waiving all business permit fees for beneficiaries of the NYOTA program in a move that challenges other counties to put their money where their mouth is.

Speaking at Kasarani Stadium alongside President William Ruto during the national rollout of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) program, Waiguru announced that 1,265 young entrepreneurs in her county would immediately be exempt from the crippling annual license fees. This isn't just a waiver; it’s a KSh 60 million stimulus package injected directly into the grassroots economy.

"Government Should Be an Enabler, Not a Toll Station"

"We have waived licenses for our youth so that they can start and grow their businesses without unnecessary obstacles," Waiguru declared to thunderous applause. Her argument is economically sound: the cost of compliance often kills a startup before it makes its first sale. By removing this friction, Kirinyaga is effectively subsidizing risk-taking.

The NYOTA program, backed by the World Bank, is designed to turn "job seekers into job creators." But capital is useless if it’s eaten up by bureaucracy. Waiguru’s move creates a protected "sandbox" for these businesses to stabilize.

The Multiplier Effect

• Direct Savings: A typical single business permit costs between KSh 5,000 and KSh 15,000. That capital can now go into stock.
• The KSh 60M War Chest: Beyond the waiver, the county has set aside KSh 60 million to support applicants who missed out on the national grant, ensuring no viable idea is left behind.
• Skills Transfer: The waiver is paired with mandatory capacity building, ensuring these startups don't just start—they survive.

As the President urged other governors to establish business support units, Waiguru has effectively set the pace. The message to the rest of the Council of Governors is clear: Don’t just give the youth speeches; give them a tax break.