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Over 250 youth from five informal settlements in Trans Nzoia County have graduated from the NYOTA SEST programme, with education stakeholders describing the initiative as an important complement to formal learning and youth empowerment.
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The NYOTA programme seeks to address this need by teaching self-awareness, communication, teamwork, customer relations and responsible behavior.
More than 250 youth from five informal settlements in Trans Nzoia County have graduated from the NYOTA Social Emotional Skills Training (SEST) programme, with education stakeholders describing the initiative as an important complement to formal learning and youth empowerment.
The programme, implemented under the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project Phase Two (KISIP2) and supported by the World Bank, the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union, the National Government and the County Government of Trans Nzoia, focuses on equipping young people with social, emotional and entrepreneurial skills that are increasingly being recognized as essential in education and the job market.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Trans Nzoia County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development, Pius Gumo, said the training had enhanced the participants’ confidence, decision-making abilities and readiness to pursue economic opportunities.
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He noted that the programme bridges the gap between classroom learning and practical life skills by preparing young people to navigate real-world challenges.
“Many youth now see their potential to engage in business and other productive activities. The skills they have acquired will help them make informed decisions and become self-reliant members of society,” Gumo said.
Education experts have increasingly emphasized the importance of social-emotional learning in nurturing well-rounded individuals capable of succeeding both academically and professionally. The NYOTA programme seeks to address this need by teaching self-awareness, communication, teamwork, customer relations and responsible behavior.
Trans Nzoia Acting Chief Officer for Lands, Housing and Urban Development Dorothy Nyukuri encouraged the graduates to apply the knowledge gained through the training by taking advantage of government empowerment opportunities such as the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) programme.
She also urged them to explore the Nawiri Fund, which provides financial support to youth-led enterprises.
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“Education goes beyond the classroom. The knowledge and skills acquired through programmes such as NYOTA can help young people build successful careers and businesses,” Nyukuri said.
National Consultant Project Team (NCPT) Social Inclusion Component Head Zenah Kirui said the programme was designed to improve both personal development and economic prospects among youths living in informal settlements.
She noted that participants received training on business management, social integration, leadership, drug abuse prevention and life skills, all of which contribute to personal growth and lifelong learning.
“The goal is to equip young people with skills that support education, employment and responsible citizenship while helping reduce crime and social challenges,” Kirui said.
The graduates were drawn from Tuwan, Matisi, Mitume, Shanty and Kipsongo informal settlements.
Stakeholders say the initiative demonstrates the growing role of non-formal education programmes in preparing young people for opportunities beyond school by combining practical skills training with personal development.
As Kenya continues to promote competency-based learning and youth empowerment, programmes such as NYOTA are increasingly being viewed as valuable extensions of education that help learners transition successfully into the world of work and entrepreneurship
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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