President William Ruto has come under intense criticism online after sharing a video under the hashtag #NyotaBeneficiary highlighting the success story of a man living with disability who started a fruit and vegetable business through government support.
In the video posted on social media, the beneficiary narrates how the NYOTA programme transformed his life after receiving startup capital to establish a small business. The initiative, which is being implemented jointly by the Kenyan government and the World Bank, aims to empower 100,000 youth across the country with KSh50,000 grants to start enterprises at the ward level.
According to the government, the programme is designed to reduce youth unemployment, promote entrepreneurship, and uplift vulnerable groups including persons living with disabilities.
However, the President’s post quickly attracted thousands of reactions from Kenyans expressing frustration over the worsening economic situation in the country. Many users argued that while such empowerment programmes are commendable, they do not reflect the harsh realities facing ordinary citizens struggling with the rising cost of living.
The backlash comes at a time when the country is experiencing a growing transport crisis triggered by soaring fuel prices. Across major towns and highways, matatu operators have staged demonstrations and partial strikes protesting the high cost of diesel and petrol, which they say has made operations unsustainable.
On Monday morning, sections of the busy Kisii–Kericho highway experienced disruptions after matatu operators and drivers parked vehicles along the roadside in protest. Similar scenes were witnessed in Nairobi, Thika, Eldoret, Nakuru, and parts of Western Kenya where commuters were stranded for hours.
Passengers have been forced to dig deeper into their pockets as transport fares continue to rise. In some routes, fares have nearly doubled during peak hours, leaving workers, students, and small-scale traders struggling to commute.
Critics online accused the government of focusing heavily on public relations campaigns while citizens continue to face mounting economic pressure. Others questioned whether the KSh50,000 grants under the NYOTA initiative would be sufficient to sustain businesses in an economy characterized by high taxes, expensive fuel, and declining purchasing power.
Political commentators note that the online response reflects growing public dissatisfaction over economic hardships despite government efforts to showcase development and empowerment programmes.
Transport sector players have also warned that unless fuel prices stabilize, the country could witness prolonged disruptions in public transport and increased prices of basic commodities due to higher transportation costs.
Even as the government continues to defend its economic policies, many Kenyans say immediate interventions are needed to cushion households from the escalating cost of living crisis.
Despite the criticism, supporters of the NYOTA programme have defended the initiative, saying it offers hope to thousands of unemployed youth and vulnerable groups seeking opportunities for self-employment.