Meru: A total of 19,722 young people across Meru County turned up this week for the ongoing verification exercise under the Nyota programme, a government initiative designed to boost youth economic empowerment through entrepreneurship and skills development.
According to Kenya News Agency, data from the verification teams showed that 12,782 of the applicants were male, while 6,930 were female. The verification was conducted in all sub-counties of Meru, including Igembe South, Igembe Central, Igembe North, Buuri, South Imenti, North Imenti, among others, ensuring that the empowerment effort reached youth from every part of the county.
Speaking to the media during the event at NG-CDF offices in North Imenti, the area MP, Rahim Dawood, praised the turnout and emphasised the programme's transformative potential if well utilised. He urged beneficiaries to invest the Sh50000 grant wisely in ventures that can generate income and create future opportunities. "The Nyota programme is not just about giving out money. It is about empowering our youth to take charge of their future and contribute meaningfully to the country's progress," he said.
Dawood clarified that all young people aged 18 to 29 years who possess a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and below are eligible to benefit from the initiative. The lawmaker added that the government intends to ensure fairness and inclusivity so that all deserving youth across the county are reached. He further advised applicants who do not qualify for Nyota support to apply for the Uwezo Fund, another government facility focused on empowering youth through enterprise financing. "No one should feel left behind," he noted, adding, "there are many avenues available for our youth to chase and achieve their dreams."
Queues stretched for hours outside the verification centres, with many youths expressing excitement at the chance to kick-start their businesses or acquire essential skills through the empowerment programme. The Nyota and Uwezo Funds form part of a broader national strategy to address rising youth unemployment while stimulating grassroots economic growth. Leaders in the region believe the initiatives will help create a more innovative, self-reliant, and prosperous generation.