NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto’s launch of the second phase of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme took an unexpected turn on Friday when a young woman walked onto the stage, asked for a hug, and later delivered a spoken-word performance that drew loud cheers from thousands of attendees.
The light-hearted moment unfolded at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata, Nairobi, where the President was presiding over the disbursement of more than KSh3 billion to over 122,000 young entrepreneurs under the government’s flagship youth empowerment initiative.
As the event progressed, the young woman confidently approached the President and politely asked whether she could give him a hug.
“Can I give you a hug?” she asked.
Ruto accepted the request and embraced her, prompting applause, laughter, and cheers from the audience.
Sensing the excitement in the crowd, the President responded with humour.
“Hiyo hug haina mambo. Nyinyi wacheni bwana… si ni namna hiyo?” he joked, drawing another wave of laughter from those in attendance.
After thanking the President, the young woman explained that she had written a spoken-word piece during Ruto’s presidential campaign but had never had the opportunity to perform it before him.
“When you were vying for president, I wrote something, but you never got to hear it because I never had the platform,” she said.
Ruto immediately invited her to perform.
Her presentation quickly captured the attention of the packed arena, with audience members responding through applause, whistles, finger snaps, and chants as she recited her piece.
Before she could complete the performance, the President interjected with another humorous remark.
“Asante sana. Tumpigie makofi huyu mrembo. Eeeei, kwani wewe ulikuwa umejipanga kiasi gani wewe? Naona kumbe ulikuwa umenipangia aya. Asante sana,” he said, triggering fresh laughter from the crowd.
The interaction became one of the most memorable moments of the event, offering a lighter side to a programme primarily focused on youth entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic empowerment.
The ceremony also featured music performances, cultural entertainment, and engagements between government officials and beneficiaries before the formal rollout of the second phase of NYOTA’s business support component.
KSh3 billion for youth enterprises
Beyond the unexpected stage moment, the event marked a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to tackle youth unemployment through enterprise development.
President Ruto announced that more than 122,000 young entrepreneurs across the country would benefit from the second tranche of NYOTA funding, with each recipient receiving KSh25,000. Combined with the first tranche, beneficiaries will have received KSh50,000 each to support the growth of their businesses.
The programme forms part of a broader government strategy aimed at expanding access to capital for young people, many of whom face difficulties securing financing through conventional lending institutions.
Also Read: Ruto orders two-year business permit waiver for NYOTA beneficiaries
The President also unveiled additional measures intended to support NYOTA beneficiaries beyond the initial grants.
These include a proposed two-year business permit waiver for participants, the creation of dedicated financing products through government lending institutions, and the establishment of a national NYOTA identification mechanism to help beneficiaries access government services, incentives, and future business opportunities more efficiently.
Government officials say the programme is designed to help young entrepreneurs establish sustainable businesses, create employment opportunities, and contribute to Kenya’s long-term economic growth.
