The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, a five-year initiative by the Government of Kenya financed by the World Bank, has been launched with the aim of unlocking the potential of Kenya’s youth.
The project seeks to tackle unemployment, expand income-generating opportunities, and promote a culture of savings and entrepreneurship among young people.
Speaking during the launch of the program’s first phase for the Western Region at the Mumias Sports Complex in Kakamega County, Vihiga Governor, Dr. Wilber Khasilwa Ottichillo, expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention to address youth unemployment.
“I’m happy to report that 1,750 youths—70 from each of the 25 wards in Vihiga County have already undergone training and are part of the 12,155 beneficiaries who gathered here today for the launch by President William Samoei Ruto,” said Dr. Ottichillo.
During a panel discussion that brought together the President, governors, representatives from the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, and several youth entrepreneurs, Governor Ottichillo emphasized the importance of seizing this opportunity to foster job creation through entrepreneurship.
He further announced that, as part of its commitment to supporting the initiative, the County Government of Vihiga will grant a two-year waiver on county levies and fees to NYOTA Project beneficiaries, as they begin their business ventures.
“This support will provide our young entrepreneurs with a solid foundation as they embark on their journey to economic empowerment,” the Governor added.
The NYOTA Project is expected to make a significant impact across the country by equipping young people with the skills, resources, and networks needed to transform their ideas into sustainable businesses.
by Rose Wasike
