By S, KNA
At least 1, 400 young people across Embu County, are set to benefit from the Government led National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project and supported by the World Bank.
Through the project, the Government seeks to unlock the potential of Kenyan youths through entrepreneurship, training and financial support, aimed at addressing youth unemployment in the country.
However, like in other areas, the project has experienced low uptake in Embu since its rollout in September over what authorities’ attribute to insufficient awareness and potential disinterest among the target group.
Principal Secretary (PS), State Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr. Esther Muoria, noted that the best performing Ward in Embu had 39 young people registered against a target of 70.
Speaking, Monday, during the grassroots leaders’ sensitization forum on the project at Talent Academy Hall in Embu Town, PS. Muoria said some Wards had as low as 12 youths registered.
“This is why as a government, we have decided to come to the grassroots to have a conversation, especially with the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), to encourage young people to uptake the space,” she said.
She hailed the program as a key strategy in tackling youth unemployment by improving their employability through skills training, employment opportunities through apprenticeship and entrepreneurial support.
“Our young people need to be equipped with knowledge and resources such as funds to ensure they can depend on themselves, thereby, eliminating the spirit of idleness in the country,” the PS stated.
Additionally, PS Muoria said the Government will offer training to beneficiaries to ensure proper use of the funds provided, thereby, improving employment outcomes and increasing youth incomes across the country.
“We as Government do not want to advance this space to the youth and then they do not make good use of it and that is why before we go to business facilitation, we ensure they are requisitely trained,” she noted.
Echoing her sentiments, Embu County Deputy Governor, Kinyua Mugo, urged local youths to take advantage of the opportunity to transform their economic fortunes.
“As the Embu County Government, we will work closely with the National Government, to ensure the NYOTA Project succeeds. I encourage all youth in Embu to enroll and benefit,” he said.
Also present was the Runyenjes Member of Parliament (MP), Muchangi Karemba, who commended the initiative, noting that at least 420 youths from his Constituency, will directly benefit from the program.
“Many young people in Embu are skilled, but lack employment opportunities or business capital and this project has come at the right time to change their lives, by equipping them with business skills and funding,” the MP said.
The NYOTA Project targets youth aged 18 to 29 years, and up to 35 years for persons with disabilities.