By M, KNA
The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) program will enroll 1,400 vulnerable youths across all 20 wards in Kirinyaga County.
Each ward has been allocated 70 slots, with equal gender representation and 5% of the positions reserved for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Speaking during a sensitization event at Kerugoya Girls in Kirinyaga, Principal Secretary in the State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, emphasized that the initiative aligns with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
PS Muthoni said the agenda is a key policy of the current administration aimed at empowering vulnerable youth and promoting self-reliance.
“The youth that are being targeted are between the ages of 18 to 29 years, registered PWD up to the age of 35 years. And education is form four and below and are unemployed, and 50-50 basis along gender lines,” Muthoni said.
She added the government is committed to supporting young people to start businesses, embrace a culture of entrepreneurship and saving, and as well enhance employment opportunities, acknowledging that youth unemployment remains a major issue affecting every county across the country.
However, the PS expressed concern over the low turnout during the initial registration earlier this year.
Only 589 youth registered across the county, with the highest performing ward enlisting 46 participants, and the lowest only 14.
She urged the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), political leaders, and other stakeholders to intensify grassroots sensitization efforts to ensure more eligible youths register.
Addressing concerns raised during the event, Muthoni responded to criticisms regarding eligibility—particularly the level of education. She clarified that NYOTA is tailored specifically for vulnerable youth below form four, while those with other certificates from higher learning are encouraged to pursue other government programs designed for their level.
Members of the County Assembly attributed the low turnout to a lack of effective communication and information dissemination. They called for stronger collaboration with government agencies to ensure all wards reach their full allocation of 70 youth per round.
Ms. Muthoni also encouraged young people to register on the government e-procurement platform. She explained that this would enable them to participate in public tenders once they receive grants.
Highlighting the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) initiative, she noted that 30% of government tenders are reserved for businesses owned by women, youth, and PWDs. The automated system ensures transparency and eliminates the need for human intervention, providing equal access to opportunities.
“I want to speak directly to the youth of this country, to women, and to persons living with disabilities (PWDs): this is your time to trade with the government. You no longer have to deal with human contact or face individuals asking for bribes just to get into the system. The system is already in place—and it is free. All you need to do is upload your company details onto the Electronic Government Procurement (EGP) platform.” The PS noted
The eligible youth are encouraged to apply by dialing *254#.