Thousands of young Kenyans shortlisted to receive the government’s KSh 50,000 business grant were required to complete an online aptitude test before receiving the funds.
The directive came a few days before the final verification exercise scheduled for Friday, causing anxiety among applicants who had planned to start small businesses.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs instructed all preselected beneficiaries to log in to the official portal and complete the test using their mobile phones.
The exercise was designed to assess financial literacy, entrepreneurship skills, and digital competence before disbursing the funds.
Officials said the requirement aimed to ensure that only committed and prepared individuals benefited from the empowerment programme.
For many unemployed youths, the new condition turned what seemed like relief into a race against time.
Several had already drawn business plans, ranging from opening kiosks to starting small farming ventures.
The sudden directive, however, forced them to scramble for internet access, especially in areas with poor connectivity.
The initiative, part of the government’s youth empowerment programme, sought to provide seed capital to young people across the country.
It followed an earlier vetting process that identified thousands of potential beneficiaries from all 47 counties.
What had appeared to be a straightforward disbursement process quickly became a test of readiness and resilience.
Before the directive, many youths were waiting for confirmation messages and payment dates.
The announcement changed the mood of the rollout, shifting attention from anticipation to urgency.
It became a test not only of knowledge but also of trust in the government’s commitment to transparency and fairness.
The verification deadline added further pressure as officials warned that those who failed to complete the test risked losing their slots.
While the government defended the move as a step toward accountability, it also exposed the digital divide that continues to affect many young Kenyans.
As the Friday deadline approached, thousands rushed to complete the assessment, hoping it would unlock the long-awaited KSh 50,000 grant that could change their lives.
What began as a promise of support had turned into a moment of uncertainty, testing both the patience and adaptability of Kenya’s youth.
By Newshub