The Government of Kenya has officially rolled out the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) program across all 47 counties, a bold initiative aimed at addressing youth unemployment by equipping young people with business capital and practical skills.
Speaking to the media at the Mama Grace Onyango Social Center in Kisumu on Monday, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Children Welfare Services, Carren Agengo, announced that a nationwide sensitization campaign is currently underway to ensure the program reaches all eligible youth.
“NYOTA is a transformative initiative targeting youth aged 18 to 29 with KSh 50,000 in business grants to start income-generating activities, gain hands-on skills, and access local and international employment opportunities,” said Agengo. “We are rallying county governments, local administrators, and community leaders to mobilize the youth to register and benefit from this program.”
The initiative, implemented in partnership with the World Bank, is part of the government’s broader strategy to tackle youth unemployment, foster entrepreneurship, and build self-reliance among the country’s growing youth population. Agengo emphasized that the rollout includes sensitizing chiefs, county officers, and youth leaders to maximize uptake.
“We’ve come to Kisumu to ensure the youth understand the opportunity at hand. Many have already registered and are now waiting for the validation process on October 17,” she said, adding that the application window is open from October 6 to 12, ahead of the national launch on October 29, 2025.
The government is targeting 70 youths per ward across the country, prioritizing not only university and college graduates but also school dropouts and those who never had the chance to pursue formal education.
Simon Peter, the Kisumu County Manager from the Office of the Senator, welcomed the program and expressed optimism about its long-term impact.
“Through NYOTA, our youth now have a chance to create their own employment. While our office has been supporting youth in small ways, joining hands with the national government will allow us to scale up these efforts significantly,” he said.
Agengo noted that many young people missed out on the initial phase of the program due to limited awareness, underscoring the importance of the ongoing sensitization exercise.
“Entrepreneurially minded youth will not only lift themselves but also create jobs for others. NYOTA is not just a grant, it’s a gateway to independence and national development,” she concluded.
The NYOTA program comes at a time when the country faces mounting pressure to create meaningful employment for its youth, who make up over 60% of the population. With implementation now underway, the government is urging young Kenyans to seize the opportunity and register through the designated platforms.
