West pokot: Principal Secretary (PS) for Public Works, Joel Arumonyang, led the National Youths Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Programme verification exercise at Kapenguria Vocational Training College in West Pokot County. The PS urged the youth to seize the opportunity presented by the programme for empowerment and personal growth.
According to Kenya News Agency, PS Arumonyang expressed his satisfaction with the large turnout of young applicants at the verification exercise. He explained that the exercise aims to verify eligible beneficiaries of the programme at the sub-county and constituency levels. After Kapenguria Sub-County, the PS plans to conduct similar exercises in Kacheliba, Kipkomo, and Sigor sub-counties.
PS Arumonyang emphasized that the Programme is a government initiative targeting unemployed youth to support them in gaining skills, finding employment, or starting small businesses. He highlighted the government's recognition of challenges faced by young people and the opportunities the NYOTA programme provides for acquiring skills, accessing business grants, and participating in national development.
As a senior official in the Ministry of Public Works, PS Arumonyang noted the importance of technical and construction skills, emphasizing that empowering youth with practical skills would enhance their employability and contribute to the country's infrastructure development.
The PS thanked all stakeholders supporting the exercise, including the National Government Administration officers (NGAOs), SME officials, youth officers, the technical team, and the West Pokot County leadership. He also extended his appreciation to President William Ruto for his commitment to youth empowerment through the Programme, acknowledging its role in transforming lives.