At least 1,750 youth in Nyandarua County are set to benefit from World Bank-sponsored National Youth Opportunity Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme.
The youth are drawn from the 25 wards in five constituencies in Nyandarua County where 70 young people from each ward will receive Sh 50, 000 for entrepreneurship initiatives.
During the NYOTA physical verification exercise of the young people going on across the country, Principal Secretary, State Department for Roads, Eng Joseph Mbugua reaffirmed the government’s commitment to youth empowerment through transparent and inclusive national programmes.
Speaking at Jabini Rurinja Stadium in Kinangop constituency, PS Mbugua said through NYOTA verification exercise which is being implemented under the Whole-of – Government Approach, seeks to validate and authenticate youth records nationwide, ensuring that deserving young Kenyans are accurately captured to benefit from the programme.
“Through NYOTA, we are building a credible and inclusive framework that ensures every young Kenyan has a fair opportunity to benefit from national development initiatives,” noted Mbugua.
He further noted the programme is not just a verification exercise but also a movement to empower youth, nurture entrepreneurship and open doors to skills growth and economic inclusion in line with the government’s vision for sustainable development.
The PS further said after the validation exercise the young people will be offered training before receiving the funds for kickstarting their businesses.
Eng. Mbugua urged the youths to wisely utilise the funds for the intended purpose and desist from diverting the money to other unsuitable purposes.
The PS notably urged the youth to register with Social Health Authority (SHA) so that they don’t get tempted to use the funds to cater for medical bills and unexpected misfortunes in life.
“Encourage your parents also to register with SHA which would meet medical bills in case of illness for without registration you can be tempted to meet their medical expenses through the funds you will receive,” said Eng. Mbugua.
The PS also promised to make other visits in Nyandarua County for follow-up especially during training and when being funded.
Separately the PS called upon the young people to support and participate in what the government is doing for their own benefit.
He particularly urged the youth to register as voters in large number so as to avoid being locked out of voting during the forthcoming elections.
Hundreds of youths turned up for NYOTA physical verification exercise at various validation centres in Kinangop, Olkalou, Ndaragwa, Kipipiri and Oljoroorok constituencies in Nyandarua County.
By Kimani Tirus
