The government has reiterated its commitment to empowering young people through various programmes aimed at equipping them with business and technical skills.
This commitment was restated as the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project verification exercise for business support got underway in Marakwet West Sub-County.
Speaking during the validation exercise, Marakwet West Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Likare Masinjila thanked the youth for applying for opportunities under the NYOTA initiative, and urged them to remain proactive and explore other government programmes available through the Sub-County Youth Office.
“The government has many opportunities for young people. If you are not lucky enough to benefit from the NYOTA business support, there are other programmes you can apply for,” said Masinjila. “Do not give up. Visit the Sub-County Youth Office and get to know what other opportunities are available for you.”
The DCC highlighted that apart from the NYOTA business support, the government is also implementing other initiatives such as the On-the-Job Experience (OJE) and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programmes, both designed to equip youth with practical skills and certifications to enhance their employability and entrepreneurship.
“Even if you do not make it in NYOTA, you can still benefit through programmes like OJE and RPL. The government is committed to ensuring that every young person has a chance to prosper,” he added.
On his part, Marakwet West Sub-County Youth and Gender Officer Stephen Adawo stated that the ongoing exercise aimed at validating the data submitted by youth applicants under Component 2 of the NYOTA Project, which focuses on business support.
“We are here to validate the NYOTA Project Component 2, which focuses on business support. We invited approximately 2,000 youth, and the turnout has been very encouraging,” said Adawo.
He explained that the verification exercise targets youth between 18 and 29 years, and up to 35 years for those living with disabilities. Each ward in Marakwet West — Kapsowar, Arror, Chebiemit/Moiben Kuserwo, Cherangany/Chebororwa, Lelan, and Sengwer will have 70 beneficiaries, each receiving Sh50,000 to boost their business ventures.
“By the end of the exercise, we expect to have verified about 420 youth from the six wards. The finer details of the selection will be finalised in Nairobi,” Adawo added.
He also noted that persons with disabilities have been fully accommodated in the process, in line with the government’s inclusivity policy.
The officer further elaborated on the other components of the NYOTA Project saying that the On-the-Job Experience (OJE) component would see youth attached to master craftsmen and craftswomen for a seven-month training period, during which they would receive stipends while gaining hands-on experience in various trades.
Meanwhile, the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) component targets youth who have skills or training in different areas but lacked formal certification. Through RPL, they will be assessed and allowed to sit for certification exams, enabling them to qualify as trainers or master artisans.
“This exercise is meant to empower many young people across Marakwet West. With the high turnout we’ve witnessed, we are confident it will be a success,” Adawo concluded.
The NYOTA Project is part of the government’s broader strategy to combat youth unemployment by promoting self-employment, technical skills development, and entrepreneurship across the country.
By Rennish Okong’o
