Nairobi: At least 1,400 young people across Embu County are set to benefit from the Government-led National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, supported by the World Bank. Through this initiative, the Government aims to unlock the potential of Kenyan youths through entrepreneurship, training, and financial support, addressing youth unemployment in the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, the project has faced low uptake in Embu since its rollout in September, attributed to insufficient awareness and potential disinterest among the target group. Principal Secretary (PS) of the State Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr. Esther Muoria, noted that the best performing Ward in Embu had 39 young people registered against a target of 70.
Speaking during the grassroots leaders' sensitization forum on the project at Talent Academy Hall in Embu Town, PS Muoria highlighted that some Wards had as few as 12 youths registered. She emphasized the need for governmental engagement at the grassroots level to encourage young people to participate in the project.
PS Muoria praised the program as a key strategy in tackling youth unemployment by improving employability through skills training, apprenticeship opportunities, and entrepreneurial support. She stressed the importance of equipping young people with knowledge and resources, such as funds, to reduce idleness and promote self-reliance.
Additionally, PS Muoria mentioned that the Government will offer training to beneficiaries to ensure proper use of the funds provided, thereby improving employment outcomes and increasing youth incomes across the country. She emphasized the importance of requisite training before advancing business facilitation.
Embu County Deputy Governor, Kinyua Mugo, urged local youths to seize the opportunity to transform their economic fortunes. He assured that the Embu County Government will collaborate closely with the National Government to ensure the success of the NYOTA Project, encouraging all youth in Embu to enroll and benefit.
Runyenjes Member of Parliament (MP), Muchangi Karemba, also commended the initiative, noting that at least 420 youths from his constituency will directly benefit from the program. He highlighted the skills and business funding provided by the project as timely interventions to change the lives of skilled but unemployed young people in Embu.
The NYOTA Project targets youth aged 18 to 29 years, and up to 35 years for persons with disabilities.