Hundreds of youths turned up at Tendere Grounds in Gucha, Kisii County, for the verification exercise of the government’s NYOTA program, an initiative aimed at empowering young people through offering income-generating opportunities.
Speaking during the event, Gucha Youth Officer Jennifer Onsando commended the impressive turnout, revealing that 2,470 youths had applied for the program in Bomachoge Chache constituency, out of which 210 beneficiaries will be selected, 70 from each of the three wards in the constituency.
Onsando emphasized that the selection process would be fair and transparent, giving every applicant an equal opportunity. She explained that the verification exercise focuses on confirming key details such as residency, education level, employment status, gender distribution and disability, while also ensuring applicants are available to participate throughout the project cycle.
She added that the exercise is crucial in ensuring that only eligible and genuine applicants benefit from the initiative, which is part of the government’s five-year plan to tackle unemployment, enhance income generation, and promote a savings culture among Kenya’s vulnerable youth.
The NYOTA program targets youth aged 18 to 29 years, and up to 35 years for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), with priority given to those who are unemployed, underemployed, or in low-income work.
By Misheba Alfred
