Principal Secretary (PS) for Sports Elijah Mwangi, backed by a section of Murang’a elected leaders have assured youths that the selection of beneficiaries for the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Programme, that it will be free, fair, and transparent.
Speaking, Monday, in Murang’a during a sensitization forum that brought together National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) and the County government officials, Mwangi said the programme targets 70 youths from each ward, who will undergo physical verification and validation at their Constituency level before receiving training and start-up funds of Sh50,000 for business development.
To curtail corruption incidents, Mwangi asked the applicants to provide genuine and accurate information, emphasizing that only those who did not proceed to post-secondary education or dropped out before completing their final exams are eligible to apply.
He said there are structures to ensure only those who qualify are picked to benefit with the seed capital.
“The entire process will be free and fair. It is being conducted online through a USSD platform to minimize human interaction and corruption. Youths should ignore those politicizing the initiative and instead seize this opportunity to transform their lives,” stated the PS.
“The programme will cater for vulnerable young people aged 18 to 29 years, and 18 to 35 years for those living with disabilities,” he elaborated.
The PS also lauded the programme which is funded by the World Bank at the tune of
Sh5 billion, saying the funds will support youths to come-up with various income generating initiatives.
Mwangi divulged that since the application of the programme commenced a few months ago, Murang’a have been lagging behind, noting only one (1) percent successfully completed the application.
“Those interested have four days to make their applications as the exercise will be closed on October 12. Then the process of verifying the applications starts,” he added.
Maragua Member of Parliament (MP) Mary Waithera, said that youths who wish to acquire formal certification for their skills will be enrolled through the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).
She explained that during their training period, beneficiaries will also receive a monthly stipend of Sh. 6,000 to support their upkeep.
“With the collaboration of NGAOs, we will ensure that only deserving, visionary, and committed youths are selected. This programme is about empowering genuine talent and uplifting those who are ready to work hard,” Waithera stated.
Nominated Member of Parliament Sabina Chege, urged the young people to take advantage of the opportunities available in local Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
She encouraged them to apply for training in institutions near their areas of residence to avoid the inconvenience and cost of relocation.
“Let our youths make use of nearby TVETs to build their skills and take-up these empowerment opportunities. You don’t have to travel long distances, development starts where you are,” said Chege.
The NYOTA programme, spearheaded by Principal Secretaries across the 47 counties under President William Ruto’s directive, seeks to empower 820, 000 youths across the country.
Participants will receive training in business development, certification for self-taught skills, and guidance on Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO), to enable them to access sustainable markets.
By Bernard Munyao and Purity Mugo
