Youth across Vihiga County turned up in large numbers to participate in the ongoing National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Programme aimed at empowering young people with skills and opportunities for self-employment.
The exercise, held in various centres across the county, saw enthusiastic participation from youth in relevant stations in Mbale, Sabatia, Kaimosi, and Emuhaya.
Speaking in Mbale Ms. Jacqueline Otwori, who represented the Principal Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development Ms. Jane Imbunya, assured participants that the process would be transparent and inclusive.
“This programme seeks to empower the youth and ensure that no one is left behind. We are here to ensure that those being registered meet the set criteria. The youth should also ensure that they have the necessary skills, as the initiative is designed to strengthen their capacity to start and sustain businesses,” said Ms. Otwori.
She noted that the response from young people had exceeded expectations, describing it as a positive indication of their readiness to embrace empowerment opportunities.
Ms. Otwori added that the experience gained from implementing the Nyota Programme would guide the development of similar initiatives in the future, terming it a pilot project that would inform policy and planning.
She further challenged the youth to be creative and identify business ideas aligned with their interests. “For instance, if you love cooking or baking, you can be supported depending on your area of passion,” she advised.
By Rose Wasike and Sarah Mwanisa
