The government, in partnership with the World Bank, has launched the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) program, a transformative five-year initiative targeting 820,000 unemployed youth nationwide.
Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, outlined the program’s objectives, emphasizing its focus on entrepreneurship and job creation.
“In preparation for its first intake, I met with a delegation from the World Bank to align on the next steps for this transformative five-year initiative,” Murkomen stated.
A key feature of the NYOTA program is its financial support for young entrepreneurs.
Murkomen said 100,000 Kenyans youth will be given Ksh50,000 each in startup capital through the World Bank-funded Nyota program.
“100,000 youth with viable business ideas will receive Sh50,000 each in start-up capital to launch or grow their ventures,” Murkomen announced.
This funding is expected to catalyze innovation and provide a crucial foundation for small businesses across the country.
“Spearheaded by the Government of Kenya in partnership with the World Bank, NYOTA is dedicated to equipping young Kenyans with the critical skills and resources needed to secure meaningful employment and drive entrepreneurship,” Murkomen added.
The NYOTA project is poised to address the country’s persistent youth unemployment challenge, with training programs and resources designed to prepare participants for both traditional and emerging job markets.
The initiative is set to roll out its first intake in the coming months, with outreach planned for all 47 counties.
This ambitious program reflects the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth through youth empowerment and entrepreneurship, backed by the World Bank’s support.
In a separate event on Wednesday, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki oversaw the first batch of 300 Kenyans leaving Kenya for Qatar through the Kazi Majuu initiative.
Kindiki praised the program, describing it as a labour mobility initiative aimed at addressing the unemployment gap.
He emphasized that the government’s effort will empower youth by helping them secure employment, acquire valuable skills, and contribute to the country’s development upon their return.
The Deputy President refuted claims that the program aims to dispossess youth of their citizenship.
“Kazi Majuu is not a migration program. It is a labor mobility initiative designed to help workers access job opportunities abroad. They remain Kenyan citizens, loyal to their country. The opportunities offered by our international partners are for them to work, not to abandon their homeland,” the DP stated.
