The government has officially launched the nationwide rollout of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) program in Kisumu.
It aims to tackle youth unemployment and promote entrepreneurship among young Kenyans.
Addressing the press at the Mama Grace Onyango Social Hall in Kisumu, Carren Achieng Ageng’o, Principal Secretary (PS) for gender, culture and children services, said the exercise marks a major step in implementing President William Ruto’s directive to empower youth across all the 47 counties.
“We are here to sensitise our leaders, youth representatives, and the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) team on the Nyota initiative,” she said.
“The program is designed to support youth through business funding, skills training, and access to opportunities both locally and abroad,” added the PS.
Under the program, she said, each youth who completes the application and validation process will receive Sh50,000 in business support through a partnership between the government and the World Bank.
The initiative will support 70 youth in each Ward across the country. Kenya has 1,450 Wards, making a total of 101,500 beneficiaries.
“This is an opportunity which gives a 50-50% opportunity for women and men,” said the PS, urging women, men and people living with disabilities to apply.
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One can apply through the USSD code *254# using a Safaricom line. Safaricom is being used for data validation and fund transfers.
“We want to encourage entrepreneurial initiatives from our youth so they can develop the economy and even create jobs for others,” added the PS. “This will help reduce unemployment and enhance self-reliance among young people.”
She urged those who had applied early in the year not to reapply, noting that the validation exercise is scheduled for October 17.
Beatrice Odongo, Kisumu County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Sports, Culture, Gender and Youth Affairs in Kisumu, called on local youth to seize the opportunity.
“We are calling upon all eligible young people in Kisumu to apply and benefit from this program,” she said. “Let’s ensure our county fully participates in this national initiative.”
To be eligible, an applicant must be a Kenyan citizen, be aged between 18 and 29 years (or 18 -35 years for youth with disabilities, registered with the National Council for Persons with Disability – NCPWD), not have gone beyond Form 4, possess a National Identity Card and have a SIM card registered in their name and their National ID.
By Frederick Odiero
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