Nyota Project – NSSF Kenya

Secure your hustle. Protect your future. Start your journey with NYOTA and NSSF!

The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) project is a transformative youth empowerment program led by the Government of Kenya and supported by the World Bank. Through NYOTA, young Kenyans are being equipped with practical tools and support to build a better financial future, including access to a structured savings plan through NSSF’s Haba Haba Informal Sector Savings Product.

What is the NYOTA Project?

NYOTA is a national youth program targeting young people across Kenya to promote employment, entrepreneurship, income generation and youth savings and financial security.

The project has four key components:

1. Improving Youth Employability
2. Expanding Employment Opportunities
3. Supporting Youth Savings (Haba Haba Na NSSF)
4. Strengthening Youth Employment Systems and Capacity

NYOTA + NSSF = A Head Start in Financial Security

Through Component 3, the NYOTA Project has partnered with the NSSF to deliver a flexible, youth-focused savings solution under the Haba Haba informal sector savings product.
All selected NYOTA participants are automatically enrolled into the NSSF Haba Haba scheme and issued a unique member number. This means you begin saving from day one, at no cost to you.

Youth Savings – How It Works

Auto Enrollment: Once selected for NYOTA, you are automatically registered as a Haba Haba member and assigned an NSSF member number.
Free Monthly Contributions for 6 Months: NSSF contributes KES 1,000 per month to your Haba Haba account for the first six months, absolutely free.
Bonus Matching Contributions: Keep the savings habit going and NYOTA will reward your consistency!

- Contribute regularly between months 7–12
- For every KES 2 you save, NYOTA adds KES 1
- Capped at a maximum match of KES 3,000

Maternity Benefit: Empower the Woman, Empower the Nation

Female NYOTA members who voluntarily save KES 400/month for 4 consecutive months qualify for a KES 4,000/month maternity benefit, paid for 4 months, a total of KES 16,000.
Eligibility:

- Women aged 18–29 (or up to 35 for PWDs)
- Must have made minimum 4 voluntary contributions
- Must be an active Haba Haba member

Required documents include:

- Birth notification
- Proof of antenatal clinic visits
- Medical report from a recognized facility
- Valid ID and NYOTA membership evidence

Eligibility Criteria for Youth Savings

To participate in the NYOTA Savings Plan under Component 3, you must:

1. Be aged 18–29 years (up to 35 for persons with disabilities)
2. Hold Form 4 education level or below
3. Be unemployed, underemployed, or in low-tier employment
4. Be a registered participant in any NYOTA stream (Apprenticeship, Start-Up Capital Support, etc.)

Key Features of the NYOTA Savings Plan

- Auto-enrollment: No forms, no lines, just savings from Day 1
- Incentives: Matched contributions encourage consistent saving
- Haba Haba Scheme: Save small amounts regularly and build a stable financial future
- Financial Literacy Training: Learn budgeting, saving, and investing
- Partnership with NSSF: Get support from Kenya’s largest pension provider
- Goal: Equip youth with the discipline and tools to manage income and prepare for the future

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What if I’m not selected for NYOTA?
A: You can still join Haba Haba independently by contributing a minimum of KES 200 to activate your account.
Q: Can I access my full savings early?
A: You can withdraw 30% after one year. The rest becomes available after five years or upon retirement.
Q: Are my savings taxed?
A: No. All NSSF Haba Haba savings are tax-exempt.
Q: How do I access the maternity benefit?
A: Save KES 400/month for four months and submit the required documentation. You’ll receive KES 4,000/month for 4 months.