Chuka: Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Authority Director General Henry Rithaa has called on young people, particularly those under 29 years and up to 35 years for those with disabilities, to begin applying for the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) grants. This follows the opening of the application portal on Monday.
According to Kenya News Agency, Rithaa made this announcement during a sensitization exercise in Chuka, highlighting that the program targets vulnerable youth. The application period will run until October 12. He further noted that validation and sensitization activities at the constituency level are scheduled for October 17, 2025, with the national launch planned for October 29, 2025. Rithaa emphasized the importance of registering before the deadline, as no applications will be accepted after October 12.
Leaders from both political and National Government in Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties have been urged to mobilize youth participation in the program, aimed at facilitating their future ownership of business premises. Principal Secretary for Diaspora, Roseline Njogu, stated that the NYOTA program is a government initiative designed to enhance youth employment and income generation through apprenticeships, business support, and savings culture.
Njogu explained that the program, now open for applications countrywide, will support 70 youth from every ward with Sh50,000 start-up grants. She called on trained leaders to disseminate this information and encourage a large number of applications. 'Statistics indicate that we have more money to issue than the youth who have already registered for the program,' Njogu said, urging further mobilization efforts.
Blue Economy PS Betsy Njagi, speaking in Tharaka Nithi County, reiterated the government's commitment to inclusivity and youth empowerment through sustainable initiatives. The NYOTA Program is part of a five-year initiative by the Government of Kenya, aligned with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), aimed at addressing unemployment and boosting local economies.
Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner David Gitonga assured the public of the county administration's full support in implementing the program. 'Our role as the county administration is to provide an enabling environment for such youth-centered initiatives. We will work closely with MPs, MCAs, chiefs, and other grassroots leaders to ensure every eligible youth in Tharaka Nithi is informed and supported,' said Gitonga.