The Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development, Shadrack Mwadime, has encouraged young Kenyans to embrace entrepreneurship as a path toward economic independence, saying the government is expanding support for youth-led enterprises through the NYOTA (National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement) Business Support Program.
Speaking in Voi, Taita Taveta County, during the ongoing physical validation exercise for NYOTA beneficiaries across all 290 constituencies, the PS said the government is determined to link young innovators with capital, mentorship, and market opportunities instead of relying solely on formal employment.
“The unemployment situation is extremely dire, but I want to encourage you because the path you are taking is the right one,” Mwadime said, urging youth to take advantage of the initiative while it is still in its early phase.
He drew a comparison with Germany’s economic success story, noting that global giants such as Daimler Benz, BMW, and Rothenberger all began as small family-run enterprises that eventually expanded into multinational companies.
“This is the way to go. Start your farm or business and be as enterprising as possible. You are doing it not only for your present needs but also for the next generation. The economy expands when citizens become creators of opportunity rather than just seekers of employment,” the PS said.
The NYOTA programme targets 820,000 young people across the country, with each of Kenya’s 1,450 wards expected to support at least 70 start-ups. The first round of beneficiaries will receive seed capital of Sh50,000 each in the form of a grant, not a loan.
Mwadime clarified that the government will continue working with the World Bank to gradually increase the number of beneficiaries as more funding becomes available.
“This support is not a loan. It is a grant meant to give you a fair starting chance. Beyond the money, we will also train you and guide you on how to manage and grow your business so that it becomes sustainable,” he said.
The programme accommodates youth aged between 19 and 29 years, and extends eligibility to persons with disabilities of up to the age of 35 years.
In addition to start-up financing, beneficiaries will receive support through capacity building, business incubation, and exposure to procurement opportunities.
“Whenever tenders are issued by either the national government or the county government, you will be considered. We want you to participate in the mainstream economy,” Mwadime said, adding that the intention is to build long-term value rather than issue one-off payments.
A complementary component of the initiative is the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme, which targets 20,000 youth in its first phase. The PS said many young Kenyans possess technical skills acquired informally such as carpentry, masonry, automotive repair, tailoring, welding or maritime services but which lack certification.
“Whichever sector or skill you possess, we will assess you and issue a certificate. This gives you confidence, formal recognition, and the ability to apply for job opportunities even internationally,” he said.
The program also includes an On-the-Job Experience pathway that will place 90,000 beneficiaries under mentors and established entrepreneurs. In addition to mentorship, participants will receive a monthly stipend of Sh7,000 while on job training.
“We will match you with a mentor who has experience in your chosen field so that your skill can be polished and converted into a viable livelihood,” the PS added.
However, he cautioned that applicants must successfully do an entrepreneurial aptitude test before being issued with the grant.
“If one misses the test, they will not qualify for the funding. The government is committed to transparency and accountability in this process,” he said.
By Arnold Linga Masila
