At least 1,000 youth from Keiyo North Sub-County received training on the government’s NYOTA programme, a youth empowerment initiative aimed at transforming livelihoods and promoting self-employment.
The training held at Iten, Kenya Medical Training College, was spearheaded by the Small and Medium Enterprises Authority (SMEA) through the North Rift Regional Office, in collaboration with the area Member of Parliament.
The sensitization focused on opportunities under the Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development.
Speaking during a sensitisation forum, Altol Kogo, a representative from SMEA’s North Rift office, emphasized the importance of the NYOTA programme for young people aged 18–29 and up to 35 for persons living with disabilities.
“We have trained over 1,000 youth from various wards in Keiyo North on the NYOTA project. This includes the entire application process and the wide range of opportunities available through our ministry,” Kogo said.
Kogo explained that the youth have already begun applying for the funds disbursed as startup capital for viable business ventures.
“Apart from NYOTA, we have also sensitized the youth on other programs like the Kenya Jobs for Economic Transformation (KJET). These are initiatives that can uplift youth economically and give them a chance to venture into entrepreneurship,” she added.
She noted that the ministry will organize the youth into sector-based clusters, such as textile, food processing, and services, and support them through co-investment strategies to help scale their businesses.
“This is a noble project for the constituency and the country. Our message to the youth is simple: apply for this fund. The capital being offered is significant and can help you start or grow your business,” Kogo urged.
The NYOTA project is currently being rolled out across the country, and the application deadline has been set for April 30th. Interested youth can apply by dialling *254#* and selecting option 3 for the NYOTA project.
Keiyo North MP Adams Kipsanai encouraged young people to embrace the programme, saying it was a golden opportunity to uplift their living standards and create self-employment.
“This project is geared towards youth empowerment. The money is not for squandering—it’s meant to uplift livelihoods and help the youth create jobs for themselves and others,” Kipsanai said.
The program has already inspired many young people in Keiyo North. Joyla Jebet from Burgar said she plans to start a cosmetics and salon business if she receives the funds.
“With this support, I believe I can change my life. I plan to use the profits to support myself and grow the business further,” she said. Victor Rotich, a barber from Kipsoen, also shared his aspirations.
“If I get the money, I will expand my barbershop and start a cyber café. I encourage fellow youth to register and take advantage of this opportunity. It can be a game-changer,” he said.
The NYOTA sensitization campaign is being rolled out nationwide to ensure no youth is left behind.
By Rennish Okong’o
