Ruto Drives Balanced Development Through Northern Frontier Investments
Politics Updated: 12 February 2026 17:56 EAT
President William Samoei Ruto and Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki dance to a tune during the disbursement of NYOTA fund in Wajir County
President William Ruto has concluded the national roll-out of the NYOTA Business Start-Up Capital programme with the disbursement of KSh63 million to 2,520 beneficiaries in Wajir County. The initiative aims to empower young entrepreneurs to start or expand businesses, boost employment, and strengthen local economies.
The NYOTA programme’s first phase has benefitted 121,800 young Kenyans nationwide, with a total of KSh2.5 billion disbursed to date. Each beneficiary received KSh25,000, and the government plans to provide an additional KSh25,000, bringing the total grant per entrepreneur to KSh50,000.
In addition to financial support, beneficiaries will undergo structured mentorship over the next six months. Officials emphasized plans to link recipients with affordable credit facilities to ensure sustainability and growth of their enterprises.
Speaking in Wajir, President Ruto highlighted the government’s continued commitment to drought mitigation, noting that over KSh10 billion has been released in the past three months to support affected regions. The interventions aim to protect lives, safeguard livelihoods, and preserve livestock, which forms the economic backbone of local communities.
To promote balanced regional development, the president announced the construction of a 10,000-seater modern stadium in Wajir town. The KSh900 million facility is set to host this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations, marking the first time a national holiday will be commemorated in the Northern Frontier.
President Ruto expressed concern over the prolonged closure of the Mandera Border Post, which has left residents cut off from their kin and neighbours in Somalia. He pledged that the border would reopen in April, aiming to restore connectivity and revitalise cross-border trade.
Addressing the acute power shortage in Mandera County, the president announced the immediate installation of a 3-megawatt generator. Longer-term plans include connecting Mandera to the Ethiopian power grid to provide a sustainable solution for the region’s energy needs.
The government is also distributing animal feed alongside ongoing food relief in drought-affected areas. Officials said this support is critical to maintaining livestock health and securing the livelihoods of families dependent on pastoral farming.
At Mandera Stadium, the president presided over the disbursement of NYOTA Business Start-Up Capital, reiterating the government’s commitment to youth empowerment. Beneficiaries were encouraged to use the grants to build enterprises, create jobs, and strengthen local economies.
In Wajir, construction works for the 10,000-seater stadium have officially begun, signaling a major infrastructure boost for the region. Authorities said the facility will not only host national events but also stimulate local commerce and tourism.
The president underscored that these initiatives form part of a broader strategy to balance national development by targeting historically marginalized areas in the Northern Frontier. The combined focus on youth empowerment, infrastructure, and drought mitigation is aimed at promoting inclusive growth.
President Ruto concluded by affirming that the government will continue scaling up interventions across the Northern Frontier, ensuring that communities enjoy improved access to economic opportunities, basic services, and sustainable development projects.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD