By S, KNA
The government has rolled out the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) project in Homa-Bay as part of the nationwide initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment and empowering young people across the country.
Speaking to journalists after a NYOTA sensitization meeting in Homa Bay on Monday, Interior Principal Secretary, Dr. Raymond Omollo, reaffirmed government’s commitment to a comprehensive approach in addressing youth joblessness, noting that young people constitute the majority of Kenya’s population.
“We are focusing on youth who have not progressed beyond secondary school and may lack formal skills. Through NYOTA, we are offering a structured opportunity to transition into productive livelihoods,” said Omollo.
The government-led initiative targets unemployed youth aged 18 to 29, and up to 35 years in the case for persons living with disabilities, with a deliberate 50:50 gender balance.
Youths in refugee camps in Turkana and Garissa will not be left out in the program.
The five-year NYOTA program seeks to enhance employability, expand income-generating opportunities, promote a culture of saving among the youth, and strengthen employment systems.
The program further seeks to support entrepreneurship through training on socio-emotional and business development skills, mentorship opportunities, access to startup capital, and partnerships with social enterprises.
NYOTA features four key work streams focusing on on-the-job training, certification of prior learning, business support, and financial inclusion.
Through on-the-job training, youth will gain practical experience by being linked to short-term employment opportunities.
The Recognition of Prior Learning and Skills (RPL) component will certify skilled youth who lack formal academic credentials.
On the other hand, business support will provide training and funding for youth-led enterprises, while the financial inclusion component will promote sustainable saving and investment habits.
Under the business support component, youth from 1,450 wards across the country will each receive Sh50,000 to start or expand their businesses.
Each ward will select 70 beneficiaries, bringing the total to more than 100,000 youth, including 2,800 beneficiaries in Homa Bay’s 40 wards.
Eligible youth can apply through the mobile platform by dialing *254#, with the application window open from October 6 to 12.
Selection will be transparent, prioritizing the disadvantaged and vulnerable youth. Successful applicants will undergo training and certification through the Media and Information Technology Authority (MITA), the government agency responsible for validating skill sets.
President William Ruto is expected to officially launch NYOTA on October 29, with preparations underway to align county and national leaders for a smooth rollout.
Omollo emphasized that NYOTA complements other government initiatives addressing unemployment in the country, including the Ajira Digital Program and the Affordable Housing Project, which continue to generate jobs in the construction industry.
“We are not just giving out funds but we are building livelihoods, promoting savings, and securing Kenya’s economic future. The Affordable Housing Program alone has created an ecosystem of opportunities from engineering to masonry. It’s not just about buildings; it’s about building careers,” he added.
He underscored that the program, implemented through a multiagency strategy is aligned with the government’s Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) pillars towards employment creation.
The PS who was accompanied by County Woman Rep, Joyce Bensuda, Homa Bay town MP Peter Kaluma, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, Senator Beatrice Ogolla and other leaders commended Members of Parliament for supporting the establishment of ICT hubs in every ward, which will expand youth access to digital opportunities.
He further assured residents of adequate security during the upcoming Kasipul by-election and other electoral events across 22 regions.
County Youth Director, Elector Opar, revealed that 719 youth in Homa Bay have already expressed interest in the NYOTA program.
