Over 530 youth in Rarieda Sub-County have successfully completed a three-week training on social emotional skills under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) program, in preparation for technical skills development.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony in Bondo, Owimbi Nyota Programme Centre Manager Erick Opondo said the 538 trainees have been equipped with essential soft skills that will enable them to transition into technical training institutions across the region.
Opondo noted that the beneficiaries, drawn from Nyilima, Owimbi, and Ndigwa NYOTA centres, will now proceed to a five-month technical training programme in various institutions. During this period, each trainee will receive a monthly stipend of Sh6,000 from the government to support their upkeep.
He added that upon completion of the technical training, the graduates will be awarded certification from the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), which will enhance their chances of securing employment or starting their own businesses.
Siaya County Chief Officer for Governance Walter Okelo, who graced the event, emphasized the need for leaders to establish frameworks that will enable skilled youth to access capital and utilize their training effectively.
Okelo said such frameworks would complement the start-up capital already being provided through the NYOTA programme by the national government, ensuring that beneficiaries can translate their skills into sustainable livelihoods.
Rarieda Deputy County Commissioner Samuel Njuguna revealed that 270 youths in the sub-county have already benefited from Sh50,000 business start-up capital through the initiative.
He explained that the integration of social emotional learning before technical training is a deliberate government strategy aimed at equipping youth with life skills such as problem-solving, communication, and adaptability, which are essential for employability.
Njuguna added that the programme is expected to not only empower the youth economically but also improve living standards and help curb social challenges such as crime and insecurity in the region.
Rarieda Technical and Vocational Training Institute Deputy Principal Joseph Omuodo urged the trainees to pursue market-driven trades that align with ongoing government projects, including affordable housing and hostel construction in the region.
He encouraged the youth to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the construction sector and other technical fields to secure gainful employment.
The NYOTA programme continues to play a key role in bridging the gap between education and employment by equipping young people with both soft and technical skills.
By Brian Ondeng
