Nyota Fund : A Snapshot of Public Opinion

A new January 2026 national opinion poll by Infotrak Research offers a rare chance to listen to what Kenyans are saying about the fund.

First off, awareness of the Nyota Fund is high.

According to the poll, 78% of Kenyans have heard about the programme, with strong awareness across all regions – from Coast to Nairobi, Nyanza to Rift Valley.

Young people aged 18 – 35, the main target group, show especially high awareness.

Nyota Fund – The Perceptions

When asked what the fund actually focuses on, the message from the public is clear:

• 65% believe Nyota is mainly about grants to start businesses.
• 19% see it as training and mentorship for youth.
• Only 4% associate it with savings or financial inclusion.

That shows that Nyota is being understood first as startup capital, not a long-term financial system.

Whether that perception matches policy intent is a conversation policymakers may want to lean into.

Who’s Benefiting from Nyota Fund? 

Engagement is growing, but it’s not universal.

• 36% say they or someone close to them has participated.
• 11% applied but were not selected.
• 52% say they haven’t engaged at all.

Participation is higher in regions like Rift Valley and Western, while Nairobi – perhaps surprisingly – sits closer to the national average.

This shows that Nyota Fund is visible, but access still feels uneven.

Is the Nyota Fund system fair?

Ask Kenyans whether Nyota’s eligibility rules are fair, and you’ll get a divided room:

• 44% say the criteria is fair.
• 46% say it is not.
• 10% are unsure.

That split runs across regions, age groups, and gender.

It suggests a programme that is well-intended, but still struggling with public trust around inclusion and selection.

Is Nyota Fund proofed against fraud? 

Nyota Fund is subject to fraud checks, quite necessary, but not painless.

Nyota’s in-person validation process – meant to reduce fraud – is largely supported.

• 57% say it works without creating barriers.
• 32% feel it still locks people out.

This is classic Kenyan logic: tupunguze wizi, lakini tusiumize watu.

The public largely accepts oversight but also wants it humane, accessible and efficient.

Who should Nyota prioritise?

Here, Kenyans are very clear:

• 44% say unemployed youth should come first.
• 26% want youth with business ideas supported, education aside.
• 19% prioritise people living with disabilities.
• Smaller numbers point to Jua Kali workers and graduates.

The overall message is that Nyota is seen as a lifeline for those locked out of opportunity, not just degree holders or polished entrepreneurs.

Is KSh 50,000 enough?

Surprisingly – and this matters – 77% of respondents say Ksh50,000 is enough to start a business.

Only 19% say it’s too little, while a tiny fraction are unsure. This isn’t about building empires overnight.

It’s about getting started – stock on the shelf, tools in hand, momentum rolling.

Transparency issues on Nyota Fund

When it comes to transparency, opinions are again split:

• 25% say the process is very transparent.
• 32% say somewhat transparent.
• 31% say not transparent.
• 11% don’t know.

That tells us Nyota has credibility – but it’s fragile.

Communication, clarity, and consistent feedback will likely decide whether public confidence grows or stalls.

In a Nutshell …..

Strip away the charts and percentages, and one thing stands out: Kenyans want Nyota to work.

They understand its purpose and support its goals – because its easy to see its potential. But they are also asking for fairness, clarity, and follow-through.

Nyota Fund sits at the intersection of hope and accountability. If it listens closely to these voices – not just the applause, but the concerns – it could become more than a fund.

It could become a real engine for youth-led economic momentum.

And that, for many young Kenyans, would be the real star.