NAIROBI – Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) Board Chairman Dr. James Mureu, representing Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Wycliffe Oparanya, has announced that President William Ruto has approved an additional Sh5 billion for the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Programme, following the disbursement of Sh3 billion to beneficiaries.
Speaking during the launch of the Hopes, Dreams and Dignity Foundation, founded by Ruth Mueni Mukhwana, a Protocol Officer at the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development, Dr. Mureu said the additional funding underscores the Government’s commitment to expanding opportunities for youth through entrepreneurship and enterprise development.
Representing CS Oparanya, who is on an official visit to Cameroon, Dr. Mureu also delivered the Cabinet Secretary’s message of goodwill to Ruth Mueni.
“The Cabinet Secretary asked me to tell Ruth that all dreams are valid,” he said.
Dr. Mureu recalled how Ruth first shared her vision for the foundation with him and expressed confidence that it would transform many lives by restoring hope and creating opportunities for young people.
He said the ministry would continue supporting initiatives that empower youth and micro and small enterprises, noting that many entrepreneurs possess great potential but struggle due to limited access to financing and inadequate support.
Executive Director of MEMA Africa and Former Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) CEO Dr. Ezekiel Mutua praised Ruth Mueni for her resilience and determination, saying he had witnessed her personal and professional growth over the years.
Mutua pledged to support the Hopes, Dreams and Dignity Foundation, promising to stand with its founder financially, emotionally and professionally.
“I will stand with you financially, emotionally and in every way I can. Whenever you need support, call on me,” he said.
Dr. Mutua committed MEMA Africa’s support to the core pillars of Hopes, Dreams and Dignity by partnering on financial empowerment and inclusion initiatives for the organisation’s young people.
He emphasized that the future depends on collaboration and praised young leaders like Ruth Mueni for daring to dream and stepping up to support their peers.
“MEMA Africa will stand with you as you chase your dreams. Thank you for filling the gap and helping guide fellow youths to become responsible citizens.”
He urged friends, partners and well-wishers to rally behind the foundation, expressing confidence that it would help nurture young talent, transform lives and create opportunities for future generations.
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A religious leader who addressed the gathering challenged Kenyans to move beyond acts of charity and instead invest in empowering people through education, mentorship, entrepreneurship and leadership.
He said while charity addresses immediate needs, empowerment equips people with the tools to build sustainable futures.
“The greatest investment we can make is investing in people. Every young person carries two invisible gifts—potential and possibility—and leadership begins the moment we choose to nurture both,” he said.
The cleric described the Hopes, Dreams and Dignity Foundation as a movement dedicated to restoring hope, inspiring dreams and preserving human dignity, urging Kenyans to contribute not only financial resources but also mentorship, expertise and encouragement.
The gala dinner attracted government officials, business leaders, religious leaders and other stakeholders, who pledged to support the foundation’s mission of empowering young people through mentorship, education and entrepreneurship.