The Kenya Kwanza administration is set to onboard 90,000 young people into the second phase of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme, as part of its wider strategy to create jobs and income opportunities for the youth.
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki said the initiative is designed to equip young Kenyans with practical skills while preparing them to participate in the country’s economic transformation.
Speaking at Buntwani Waterfront Park in Malindi, where President William Ruto presided over the disbursement of NYOTA business start-up capital, Kindiki said the programme is being rolled out in two key pillars.
Under the first pillar, 50,000 shillings was issued to young entrepreneurs from 1,450 wards across all 47 counties to help them start or expand businesses.
The second pillar, known as the On-the-Job Experience (OJE) programme, will place 90,000 youths under master craftsmen for six months to gain hands-on skills in various trades.
Kindiki said the government will cover training, assessment and certification costs, in addition to a monthly stipend of 6,000 shillings for each beneficiary.
During the Malindi event, President Ruto oversaw the disbursement of Sh126 million in NYOTA business capital to 5,040 youth entrepreneurs from Kilifi, Lamu and Tana River counties.
