By A, KNA
Young across Taita Taveta County have been given a critical one-week window to apply for the Nyota Programme, a transformative government initiative that reopened its application portal on October 6 and will close on October 12, 2025.
The urgency of this message has been echoed by both national and county leaders who are concerned about the low uptake from the region during the program’s first phase.
The Nyota Program; National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement, is a Government of Kenya initiative funded by the World Bank with a substantial budget of Sh5billion.
The programme aims to address youth unemployment through a comprehensive approach that includes employment creation, skills development, entrepreneurship support, and promoting a savings culture among young Kenyans.
Being implemented across all forty-seven counties, the initiative specifically targets vulnerable youth aged eighteen to twenty-nine years, with special provisions extending eligibility to thirty-five years for persons with disabilities.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ sensitization meeting held at the Mwatate Sub-County Hall today, Peter Nyariwo, representing the PS, State Department for Labour and Skills Development, Shadrack Mwadime, revealed that the initiative is targeting more than 100,000 young people across the country.
“Let us continue sensitizing our youth about the NYOTA program so that no one is left behind,” Nyariwo urged.
Nyariwo further encouraged local youth to seize the opportunity, noting that Taita Taveta County had recorded a low number of applications during the first phase despite the program’s wide-ranging benefits.
At the heart of the programme lies a substantial financial commitment to youth entrepreneurship. Youths in the program who want to run business enterprises will receive a capital injection of Sh50,000 to boost their ventures and promote sustainable livelihoods.
This entrepreneurship component goes beyond mere financial support, providing beneficiaries with mentorship, market linkages, and certification that enhances their credibility and employability in the job market.
The structured support system is designed to help young people transform their business ideas into viable enterprises that can provide long-term income.
County Commissioner Josephine Onunga expressed concern about the low registration numbers from Taita Taveta during the initial phase.
“We must ensure our youth are empowered. We will work closely with the county government to make sure every young person is reached, gets the information and supported,” she said.
The Commissioner made a passionate appeal to vulnerable youth, particularly recent school leavers who cannot afford college or training institutions, to take advantage of the limited registration window.
To address potential barriers to registration, the county government has mobilized an extensive network of support systems.
Youth who face challenges with online registration can seek assistance at Sub-County Administration Offices, Deputy County Commissioners’ offices, and Chiefs’ offices across the county.
Recognizing the digital divide, authorities have also engaged a wide range of stakeholders including chiefs, assistant chiefs, Members of County Assembly, county security teams, and Members of Parliament to ensure comprehensive coverage and support.
Commissioner Onunga thanked President William Ruto for revitalizing the initiative, emphasizing the government’s commitment to integrating youth into the employment and economic empowerment agenda.
She reiterated that the administration is determined to link idle youth to employment, training, and enterprise opportunities.
CECM for Youth, Sports, Gender and Social Services Shedrack Mutungi hailed the Nyota Programme as a beacon of hope in tackling youth unemployment, noting that Taita Taveta is home to ambitious young people ready to drive Kenya’s development.
The program’s structure encompasses three main components designed to create a holistic empowerment framework. The skilling component focuses on certification and recognition of prior learning to improve employability among youth.
The business development support nurtures entrepreneurship through capital provision and mentorship. While the savings component is designed to encourage financial discipline and habits among beneficiaries, ensuring long-term financial stability beyond the initial capital injection.
A key feature that has been emphasized by programme officials is the transparency of the selection process.
Nyariwo explained that the selection is automated and data-driven, ensuring no human interference.
Youth are encouraged to apply through the two-five-four platform (*254#), where shortlisting will be handled digitally, giving every eligible applicant an equal opportunity.
Eligible applicants must be aged between eighteen and twenty-nine years, possess a maximum education level of Form Four, and be either unemployed or underemployed.
For persons with disabilities, the age limit extends to thirty-five (35) years, demonstrating the program’s commitment to inclusivity.