Kilifi: Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy, Fikirini Jacobs, has called on Kenyan youth to take advantage of the reopened NYOTA program application portal and apply in large numbers. Speaking in Kilifi during a grassroots leaders' sensitization forum on the NYOTA program, Jacobs said that out of the 1.9 million youth who initiated applications, 1.6 million successfully completed the process, while about 300,000 did not. He noted that the figure remains relatively low given that young people make up over 60 percent of Kenya's population.
According to Kenya News Agency, Jacobs emphasized the importance of the NYOTA project, remarking that despite its commencement, there are gaps in its implementation. Some wards reported fewer than 10 applicants, against a target of 70 youth per ward. He urged leaders at all levels to disseminate information to grassroots communities to ensure comprehensive participation in the initiative, which aims to create jobs for vulnerable young people at the economic pyramid's base.
Jacobs explained that the program is designed to empower youth aged between 18 and 29 by providing them with Sh50,000 each to start or expand businesses. 'As leaders, we have a duty to ensure that every qualified young person benefits from the NYOTA program to enhance their economic stability,' he stated.
Kilifi Governor, Gideon Mung'aro, praised the initiative for its potential to significantly aid young individuals who have practical skills but lack formal certification to secure employment. Mung'aro highlighted the urgent need for such programs in Kilifi, particularly for youths involved in the blue economy.
Additionally, Deputy Majority Leader and Kilifi North MP Owen Baya expressed support for NYOTA but also called for policy reviews for other empowerment programs, including the Hustler Fund. He revealed plans to draft a Bill that would transition the Hustler Fund from a loan facility to a grant-based model, citing challenges with loan repayments and the ineffectiveness of blacklisting defaulters.
The government is conducting a grassroots sensitization exercise across all 47 counties to promote inclusivity, transparency, and the effective implementation of the NYOTA project.