Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has called on the government to increase its financial contribution to the National Youth Opportunity Towards Advancement (Nyota) programme, saying each beneficiary should receive at least Sh100,000 instead of the current Sh50,000.
Speaking on Friday during the nationwide physical validation exercise for Nyota applicants, Nyoro urged the state to match the World Bank’s funding for the initiative, which is fully financed by the global lender.
“If the World Bank gives Sh20 billion for youth empowerment, the government should at least match it. That way, instead of giving our youth Sh50,000, they can receive Sh100,000 to start businesses and advance their skills,” the legislator said.
Nyoro also criticized the government for allegedly taking undue political credit for the programme, saying it was “dishonest and unfair” to brand the World Bank-funded project as a state initiative.
“The Nyota programme is not part of the government’s revenue or debt. It is entirely funded by the World Bank,” he said, urging the government to show real commitment by investing public funds alongside donor contributions.
“Instead of politicising a World Bank programme, the government should contribute to it. Kenya has money; we borrow Sh3.5 billion every month. Can’t we afford to add Sh5 billion to support the Nyota youth programme?” he posed.
The MP further proposed that the government supplement the Sh6,000 monthly stipend offered to trainees under the programme’s skills development component to enhance youth welfare and capacity building.
