Govt Urges Youth Eyeing KSh 50,000 NYOTA Grant to Complete Aptitude Test Before Friday Verification

The government has issued a reminder to all youth preselected for the KSh 50,000 NYOTA Grant to complete the mandatory Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test (EAT) before the verification exercise scheduled for Friday, October 24, 2025.

In a public notice shared on X (formerly Twitter), the State Department for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy emphasized that only those who have taken the test will qualify for the physical verification process. The exercise will be conducted across all constituencies under the supervision of officers from the Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA) and Youth Affairs offices.

How Can Youth Complete the NYOTA Entrepreneurship Test?

The Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test is a key requirement for all preselected applicants. To access it, participants must use the same mobile number used during the NYOTA application process. The test can be completed via SMS, is available in multiple languages, and is free of charge.

To begin, applicants should first activate promotional messages by dialing *100*525*1#, then send the word “NYOTA” to 40270. From there, they can select their preferred language and proceed to answer all questions until they receive a completion confirmation. The entire process typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes.

The department stressed the importance of completing the test before verification day, noting:

“Good afternoon. This is to inform you that the physical validation on component 2 will take place on Friday, 24th October 2025. In the meantime, youth who have been preselected and haven’t done the Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test (EAT) need to do so by sending the word NYOTA to 40270 and complete the test.”

What Is the NYOTA Grant Programme?

The NYOTA (National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement) Grant is a KSh 5 billion youth empowerment programme jointly funded by the Government of Kenya and the World Bank. It targets 100,000 young Kenyans, offering each beneficiary KSh 50,000 in non-repayable startup capital after completing short-term vocational training.

The programme focuses on trades such as carpentry, tailoring, welding, and other hands-on skills to help young people start and grow small businesses. However, the ministry clarified that individuals with outstanding Hustler Fund loans must first clear their balances before qualifying for the NYOTA grant.

The verification exercise was initially delayed following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and the national mourning period declared by President William Ruto. The ministry has since confirmed that all previous applications remain valid, and verification will proceed as planned this Friday.

The NYOTA Grant represents a major step in the government’s efforts to promote youth self-reliance by combining financial aid with practical training, ensuring that beneficiaries are not just funded but also skilled for success.

By Modester Nasimiyu