Nairobi: Lugari Deputy County Commissioner, Linet Orina, has appealed to potential beneficiaries of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) project to wholeheartedly embrace its intent of transforming their lives. Orina made the appeal yesterday at Lumakanda Salvation Army Church during the validation exercise of hundreds of selected applicants drawn from Lugari and Matete sub-counties.
According to Kenya News Agency, Orina emphasized that the grants are designed to boost entrepreneurship and ignite innovation among the young population across the country, aiming to reduce the high unemployment rate. She urged the youth to invest the grant wisely in income-generating activities to transform their lives. Orina highlighted the importance of legal business activities, regardless of size, in earning income and reducing crime rates by keeping youths engaged in productive ventures.
Lydia Manono from the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority informed the youths that the primary aim of the grants is to empower them economically. She explained that the five-year government project intends to support young entrepreneurs in starting or growing their businesses by providing each beneficiary a grant of Sh.50,000 within the next 2-3 weeks. Manono encouraged potential beneficiaries to develop business ideas promptly to qualify for the grant, which aims to foster economic growth among the youth.
Lugari Constituency Manager, Rajab Mukolwe, highlighted the importance of the NYOTA project in moving youths away from a culture of handouts and political misuse. He advised the young people to utilize the funds effectively by investing in business ventures rather than engaging in non-productive activities.
A number of potential beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the government initiative, acknowledging its significance in enhancing their economic prospects. Irine Kiule and Mercy Mwaisi from Munyuki sublocation shared plans to invest in their own hair salons, drawing from their prior experience working in others' businesses.
The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, a five-year initiative by the Government of Kenya and financed by the World Bank, aims to unlock the potential of Kenya's youth by tackling unemployment, expanding income opportunities, and promoting entrepreneurship. The project targets 820,000 unemployed youth across the country, with a focus on those aged 18 to 29 years, extending up to 35 years for Persons Living with Disabilities.