By N, KNA
The government has launched the verification exercise for the NYOTA Youth Empowerment Programme in Nairobi, beginning with Kibra Constituency, as part of a nationwide rollout aimed at validating eligible youth beneficiaries ahead of the official disbursement of grants.
Presiding over the exercise at the Kibra DCC Grounds, Principal Secretary (PS) for Lands and Physical Planning, Nixon Korir stressed that the verification process was critical in promoting accountability and ensuring that the funds reach the right people.
“Today’s exercise focuses on verification. That is why we have (National Government Administrative Officers) NGAO officers on site to make sure only eligible youth within Kibra are captured and to prevent duplication or cross-registrations from other areas,” stated the PS.
He explained that the NYOTA Programme, National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement, seeks to empower young people aged 29 years and below by offering them startup grants and training them to establish sustainable business and attain quality livelihoods.
“The support provided is not a loan that must be repaid. It is seed capital meant to help young people start or expand their businesses,” Korir clarified.
“We are committed to supporting youth enterprises while providing them with training to ensure their ventures grow and thrive,” he added.
Further, the PS encouraged youth already running small enterprises to take advantage of the initiative to scale up their operations.
“If you already have a shop or a small business, you can use this grant to add more stock or improve your services. The government will also provide capacity-building sessions to help you manage your enterprise sustainably,” he advised.
Likewise, Korir announced the NYOTA Programme goes beyond offering financial support by combining funding with skills development and certification.
“This programme isn’t just about giving out Sh50,000. It includes on-the-job training for youth who may not have formal qualifications. The goal is to equip them with practical skills, recognized certification, and the confidence to build careers or grow small businesses,” the PS remarked.
Additionally, he reported that the initiative targets youth who wish to pursue technical careers such as carpentry, mechanics, tailoring, and other vocational fields but have previously lacked access to training.
“Through Nyota, they can now gain both the skills and the certification they need to compete effectively in the job market or become self-employed,” Korir reiterated.
Speaking during the exercise, the Deputy Government Spokesperson, Gabriel Muthuma, clarified that the Nyota Programme and the Hustler Fund will operate concurrently to complement each other.
He emphasised that both programmes will run independently, and beneficiaries will be able to access both provided they meet the requirements.
“Repaying Hustler Fund loans improves one’s credit rating, increasing eligibility for larger financial support from banks in the future,” he advised.
In her remarks, Sub- County Youth development Officer for Kibra, Josephine Mwangangi, reported a strong turnout, describing the process as smooth and well-coordinated.
“We have seen an overwhelming response as close to 2,000 young people have turned up for verification,” disclosed Mwangangi.
“The exercise is progressing well, and we expect to conclude in the next few hours,” she added.
The Officer noted that the process is being conducted simultaneously in all 290 constituencies to ensure equal access to the programme.
Mwangangi pointed out that the verification step helps ensure accuracy and fairness in the selection process.
“Every youth attending today received a confirmation message inviting them here. That message helps us verify that they belong to Kibra. So far, we haven’t experienced major challenges except a few cases of youths who confused the venue,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Brian Nyareru, a resident of Sarang’ombe Ward in Kibra, expressed optimism that the programme would transform his life.
“At first, the process seemed challenging, but it has become smoother and well-organized,” described Nyareru.
“If I receive the Sh50,000 grant, I plan to start a small business selling boiled eggs and ‘smokies’. It will help me become self-reliant and maybe even employ others,” he revealed.
In addition, Nyareru commended the simplicity of the application process, noting that it was free and accessible online.
“The turnout is huge because many young people are unemployed. This fund gives us hope and a real chance to improve our livelihoods,” he expressed.
On the other hand, Peninah Kwamboka Obiri, a resident of Kianda in Sarang’ombe Ward, also welcomed the initiative, saying it would enable her to expand her small shoe business.
“The application process was easy and open to everyone. The turnout today is very high, and although the process is a bit tiring, it is worth it,” expressed Obiri.
“I run a ladies’ shoe business, and with the NYOTA Fund I’ll be able to increase my stock and grow. Business is what I love, and this support will help me stand on my own feet,” she proclaimed, noting that the initiative is timely, especially for young people seeking financial independence.
“Many of us just need a small boost to grow. With this grant, I’m confident I’ll expand my business and even create opportunities for others,” she added.
In the meantime, the NYOTA Youth Empowerment Programme, which is a government initiative under the State Department for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy and is implemented in partnership with other state departments and agencies, aims to promote youth inclusion in economic development through business grants, mentorship, and entrepreneurship training.
The verification exercises will continue in other parts of Nairobi County and across the country ahead of the official rollout of the programme, which is expected to benefit thousands of young Kenyans by providing them with capital, skills, and opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods.