Nairobi: At least 1,750 youth in Nyandarua County are set to benefit from the World Bank-sponsored National Youth Opportunity Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme. The youth are drawn from the 25 wards in five constituencies in Nyandarua County, where 70 young people from each ward will receive Sh 50,000 for entrepreneurship initiatives.
According to Kenya News Agency, during the NYOTA physical verification exercise of the young people going on across the country, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Roads, Eng Joseph Mbugua, reaffirmed the government's commitment to youth empowerment through transparent and inclusive national programmes. Speaking at Jabini Rurinja Stadium in Kinangop constituency, PS Mbugua highlighted that the NYOTA verification exercise, implemented under the Whole-of-Government Approach, aims to validate and authenticate youth records nationwide, ensuring that deserving young Kenyans are accurately captured to benefit from the programme.
Eng. Mbugua emphasized that the programme is not merely a verification exercise but a movement to empower youth, nurture entrepreneurship, and open doors to skills growth and economic inclusion, aligning with the government's vision for sustainable development. Following the validation exercise, the young people will be offered training before receiving the funds to kickstart their businesses.
Eng. Mbugua urged the youths to utilise the funds wisely for their intended purpose and to avoid diverting the money to unsuitable purposes. He also encouraged the youth to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to prevent the temptation of using the funds for medical bills and unexpected misfortunes in life. 'Encourage your parents also to register with SHA, which would meet medical bills in case of illness, for without registration, you can be tempted to meet their medical expenses through the funds you will receive,' said Eng. Mbugua.
The PS promised to make further visits in Nyandarua County for follow-up, especially during training and when the funds are distributed. Additionally, he called upon the young people to support and participate in government initiatives for their benefit. He urged the youth to register as voters in large numbers to avoid being locked out of voting during the forthcoming elections.
Hundreds of youths turned up for the NYOTA physical verification exercise at various validation centres in Kinangop, Olkalou, Ndaragwa, Kipipiri, and Oljoroorok constituencies in Nyandarua County.