Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has announced a sweeping waiver of business permit fees for youth-led startups under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) program. The move aims to dismantle the financial barriers that often strangle young entrepreneurs before they can even launch.

Speaking at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, during the national launch of the NYOTA disbursement fund presided over by President William Ruto, Waiguru positioned the waiver as a direct stimulus for the county's economy. "By waiving licenses, we are enabling youth to start and expand their businesses without unnecessary obstacles," she declared.

Unlocking the Hustler Economy

The NYOTA program, a cornerstone of the government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), is designed to provide capital, training, and mentorship to young Kenyans. Waiguru revealed that 1,265 youth in Kirinyaga have already benefited from the initiative, gaining access to skills that make them bankable and business-ready.

To further support those who missed out on the national fund, the Kirinyaga County Government has ring-fenced KES 60 million in a dedicated kitty. "We have proposed amendments to convert the County Empowerment and Development Fund from a loan-based facility to a grant-based fund," Waiguru explained. "This will unlock capital for those who need it most but lack the collateral to access traditional credit."

• The Waiver: All businesses registered under the NYOTA program in Kirinyaga will be exempt from paying single business permit fees for their first year of operation.
• The National Context: The President disbursed over KES 258 million to youth in Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kajiado during the event, with beneficiaries receiving KES 25,000 each as seed capital.
• The Impact: The policy is expected to formalize hundreds of informal "hustles," bringing them into the regulatory fold while boosting local employment.

A Model for Devolution

Waiguru's directive sets a precedent for other counties grappling with high youth unemployment. By combining national government grants with county-level regulatory relief, the strategy creates a "double-decker" support system. It addresses the two biggest complaints of young entrepreneurs: lack of capital and the high cost of compliance.

The Governor also emphasized the importance of capacity building, noting that money alone is not a silver bullet. The county is rolling out targeted training programs to equip the youth with financial literacy and technical skills. "We must choose between the tax revenue from a few struggling shops or the future of a vibrant, youth-led economy," Waiguru said. "I choose the youth."

As the first batch of NYOTA beneficiaries receive their funds, the eyes of the nation will be on Kirinyaga to see if this regulatory holiday translates into sustainable business growth. For the young CEO in Kerugoya, the path to profit just got a little less steep.