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‘Tunakwama ukiwa wapi?’ Kindiki begs for help from ICT PS as he faces technology setback
10th July, 2026 01:31 PM
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki had a slight setback with technology on Friday, July 10, 2026, after the long-awaited NYOTA programme funds delayed to reflect on the phones of thousands of youth in Nakuru.
The DP was at the Nakuru ASK Showground to launch the second phase of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) business grants. The initiative gives young people Sh50,000 in start-up capital to boost their small businesses.
However, the launch briefly turned into a waiting game when the cash disbursement hit a technical hitch.
Kindiki decided to check with the crowd to see who had received the money. He asked the youth from Nakuru to raise their phones if the alerts had landed, but only a handful responded. The situation was the same when he asked young people from Baringo and Nyandarua counties.
Seeing the delay, Kindiki turned to the ICT officials at the venue, including the Principal Secretary, and demanded quick action.
“Wacha nione tena, inua simu kama uko na pesa kwa simu. Very few. Haya, watu wa ICT mfanye bidii. Wewe PS wa ICT uko hapa na tunazubaa. Tunakwama ukiwa wapi?” Kindiki asked.
Waiting for the alerts
To keep the crowd calm while the tech team sorted out the hitch, Kindiki asked the youth to relax. He assured them that the money was on the way, even joking that they would sing together at the showground until the funds arrived.
The NYOTA project targets small enterprises like salons, barbershops, and grocery stalls. The government has set aside between Sh5 billion and Sh6 billion for these business grants, aiming to support over two million young Kenyans nationwide.
Proving the system works
Despite the network hitch, Kindiki strongly defended the programme against critics who dismiss the Sh50,000 grant as too little. He stated that the money provides necessary capital to shield young people from political manipulation by helping them build their own financial independence.
“Our objective is not just to help young people start businesses, but to empower them to grow those enterprises into successful ventures that create jobs and contribute to the country’s economic transformation,” the DP said.
To reassure the anxious crowd, the DP called up a female beneficiary who had already received the money. The move helped restore calm as the ICT department worked to clear the system delays.
