Kericho: Thousands of youths in Kericho thronged various venues across the county for the physical validation exercise of the National Youth Opportunities towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme, a government-led youth empowerment initiative funded by the World Bank to promote inclusive growth, reduce poverty, and empower young people to contribute meaningfully to national development.
According to Kenya News Agency, chiefs and assistant chiefs across all six constituencies in Kericho County assisted in the NYOTA validation exercise conducted at venues spread out as follows: Kiprugut Chumo Stadium in Ainamoi constituency, Sosiot playground in Belgut constituency, the Deputy County Commissioner's (DCC) compound in Bureti constituency, DCC's office Londiani in Kipkelion East, the DCC's compound in Kipkelion West, and Kamasega AGC Church in Soin/Sigowet.
Speaking to the media at Kiprugut Chumo Stadium in Ainamoi Constituency, Acting Kericho County Commissioner Dr. Kibe Maguta reported that more than 2,000 youths had turned up for the validation exercise at the stadium alone, commending the impressive turnout and reaffirming the government's commitment to ensuring that all eligible participants are fairly considered for the NYOTA Programme.
Dr. Maguta explained, 'What we are doing today is the verification of youths who were invited through mobile phone messages, after which the validated participants will proceed to take their aptitude tests, which should be completed by tonight. The test is entirely free of charge and can be done on any mobile phone through message sent to the applicants, with the final deadline for completion set for this Friday, October 24, 2025, at midnight.'
He further commended the high level of enthusiasm among the participants and urged them to take full advantage of the programme, saying it represented a major step toward addressing youth unemployment and economic vulnerability in the country. 'The government is committed to ensuring that our young people are equipped with the right skills, mentorship, and financial support to create jobs rather than wait for them,' Dr. Maguta added.
The validation exercise is being conducted simultaneously across all 290 constituencies, targeting at least 70 youths per ward as part of an in-person verification stage preceding the subsequent phases of training and funding.
NYOTA Project, a flagship initiative by the Government of Kenya, aims to empower young entrepreneurs, create jobs, and promote self-reliance among the youth aged between 18 and 29 years and up to 35 years for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in a move to enhance economic inclusion and livelihoods.
Under the Business Support Component, at least 100,000 youth entrepreneurs will receive entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and start-up grants of Sh50,000 each to help them launch or expand their businesses. The project aims to benefit over 820,000 vulnerable youth aged between 18 and 29 years and up to 35 years for persons with disabilities across 1,450 wards nationwide, providing equal opportunities for both male and female participants with education levels up to Form Four.