Elected leaders in Makueni County have been urged to complement government efforts in sensitizing youth about the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme to ensure they benefit from the initiative.
The call was made on Monday by the Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Teresia Mbaika, during a training session held at Wote Technical Training Institute (WTTI). She emphasized the need for leaders to actively engage and encourage young people to apply for grants offered under the NYOTA programme to help them start income-generating projects and improve their livelihoods.
Mbaika disclosed that the youth have a new opportunity to apply for the grants between October 6 and 12, 2025. The programme targets youth aged 18 to 29 years and extends eligibility to people with disabilities up to the age of 35.
She explained that the extension of the application period was necessitated by the low number of applicants recorded in some wards during the initial call in April 2025.
“We are looking at this as a great opportunity for our young people,” she said. “I call upon Makueni leaders to engage the youth so that they can apply and benefit from this government programme that offers grants, not loans.”
The PS, who was addressing Deputy County Commissioners, Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs, and Members of the County Assembly, stressed the importance of community mobilization during the current application window.
“During this period, we are counting on you to help increase awareness and mobilize applicants, especially in wards that recorded low response rates. Remember, a missed opportunity for the county is a missed opportunity for every young person who dreams of a better future,” she added.
Mbaika outlined the three pathways through which the NYOTA initiative seeks to create employment and empower youth. These include:
On-the-job experience, which provides youth with technical and social-emotional skills through mentorship by master craftsmen and employers to gain industry exposure and increase employability. The programme targets 90,000 beneficiaries nationally.
Recognition of prior learning, which certifies skills acquired informally. This component targets 20,000 youth across the country.
Entrepreneurship development, where 100,000 young entrepreneurs will receive business training for six months, a Sh6,000 monthly stipend, and a Sh50,000 start-up grant to grow sustainable enterprises.
Additionally, another 600,000 young entrepreneurs will benefit from Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO), enabling them to expand into sustainable markets and build a culture of saving.
Mbaika cautioned local leaders against politicizing government programmes, urging them instead to support initiatives aimed at empowering citizens. “These programmes are meant to uplift our communities and create opportunities for the youth. Let us work together to make them a success,” she said.
Speaking at the same event, Makueni County Commissioner Dancan Darusi lauded the NYOTA programme, saying it presents a guaranteed opportunity for youth empowerment and a practical solution to unemployment. “All leaders should support this programme as it will help combat youth unemployment and improve livelihoods in our county,” he stated.
Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili welcomed the initiative, saying the county government was ready to work closely with the national government to ensure youth participation.
“This is a brilliant idea that will help our youth gain skills and face life with confidence. It has the potential to transform lives in Makueni County,” she said when the PS paid her a courtesy call at her Wote town office.
Also present at the event were the Deputy National Project Manager–Technical (NYOTA) Peter Muthini, Makueni County Director for Youth Boniface Muting’a, and other government officials.
By Patrick Nyakundi
