Kakamega: The Government, with support from the World Bank, has allocated 33 billion shillings under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) and the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) Project to create and improve job opportunities to empower vulnerable youth and women across all the 47 counties. Cooperatives and Micro and Small Enterprises Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya announced the initiative during the program's rollout at Musingu Boys High School in Ikolomani Constituency.
According to Kenya News Agency, at least one million youth are expected to benefit from the program over a five-year period. The NYOTA programme aims to improve youth employment, boost income, and promote savings among vulnerable young people by supporting them with income-generating equipment and appliances. Additionally, the KJET Project is set to benefit at least 45,000 Kenyans, including at least 6,800 women, through new or improved job opportunities.
The NYOTA programme targets youth aged between 18 and 29, and up to 35 years for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), aiming to address unemployment, enhance income generation, and promote a savings culture among the target group. Oparanya encouraged youth to register for the programme, noting that they will undergo training before receiving funds to initiate income-generating activities.
The government plans to select at least 70 youth from each ward across all constituencies in the country. Oparanya expressed concern about the high rate of unemployment among youth but mentioned that the program provides an opportunity to enhance employment opportunities through entrepreneurship development.
Oparanya emphasized the government's commitment to addressing the challenges faced by unemployed youth, stating, "Many youth are suffering, they are without jobs to support their livelihoods, but under this program, we intend to enlist about one million youth to engage in entrepreneurship." He added that his ministry is collaborating with Members of Parliament, County governments, and Members of the County Assemblies to facilitate youth registration for the program.
The NYOTA initiative expands on the Kenya Youth Empowerment Program (KYEOP), focusing on improving youth employment. During the event, MP Bernard Shinali and Vihiga County Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala urged youth to participate in the empowerment programs offered by the government. Adagala also encouraged youth to register under the Social Health Insurance (SHA) to benefit from the government's medical scheme.