At least 8,000 youths got the second tranche of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Programme funds in Kisii, Migori and Nyamira counties.
Speaking during the event at the Kisii National Polytechnic in Kisii town, Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba noted that 6000 beneficiaries had received the second tranche of the funds, while another 2000 were getting the funds for the first time.
“The additional Sh.22,000 will enable the youth to scale up their businesses and benefit from other government programs such as the Uwezo Fund, Youth Enterprise Fund and Women Enterprise Fund, among others,” Ogamba said.
He noted the program, which targets young people ages 29 and below and up to 35 years for persons with disabilities, will give them a chance to grow sustainable businesses and contribute to the country’s economy.
The CS pledged the government will continue to support the youth through the recognition of prior learning programs to enable them to take advantage of the government procurement opportunities.
His energy and petroleum counterpart, Opiyo Wandayi, said the NYOTA Programme had demonstrated President William Ruto’s commitment to tackling unemployment among the youth.
“The president has demonstrated that he has the capacity, goodwill and willingness to implement his policy pronouncements. This program goes a long way to demonstrate that this government is a listening government,” Wandayi affirmed.
The CS noted the programme will not only empower the youth through income generation but also enable them to offer employment for other workers in their businesses.
He assured the public that there are adequate and appropriate mechanisms in place to ensure the money is utilized for the intended purpose of starting and boosting businesses for the young people.
Under the second phase, 3,570 youth in Kisii, 1,473 in Nyamira, and 3,191 in Migori have benefited from the funds.
Nationally, a total of 3 billion was disbursed to 122,000 entrepreneurs of the NYOTA Programme, reflecting the government’s commitment to empowering the youth through entrepreneurship, job creation and economic opportunity.
By Mercy Osongo
