The government has announced the extension of the NYOTA Programme Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test deadline.
In a statement dated Friday, October 24, 2025, Principal Secretary, State Department for MSMEs Development, Susan Mang’eni, said the exercise will conclude on Saturday October 25, and not Friday October 24, as previously indicated.
According to the PS, the one-day extension aims to ensure every eligible applicant has an equal opportunity to complete the exercise.
The Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test (EAT) aims to assess applicants’ entrepreneurial mindset and readiness, as well as the levels of intervention needed.
To complete the test, applicants are urged to send the word “NYOTA” to 40270 and follow the prompts. They must use the mobile number used during registration. The test which is free of charge involves selecting a preferred language and answering a series of questions via SMS.
Each response is submitted by replying with the correct option number. Once completed, participants will receive a confirmation message.
Government issues fresh directive to Kenyans shortlisted for NYOTA funds
Selected candidates will participate in a physical validation exercise to confirm the authenticity and eligibility for the NYOTA funds.
According to Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, only those who attend the exercise in person will be considered eligible for selection.
“Only applicants who present themselves physically for validation will be deemed responsive and eligible. There will be no repeat exercise thereafter,” he cautioned.
NYOTA, a youth-focused grant and training program, aims at reducing youth unemployment by offering grants, skills training, and business support to select young entrepreneurs.
The five-year flagship project, which targets 820,000 youths, is jointly funded by the Kenyan government and the World Bank.
