Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department for Children Services, CPA Carren Ageng’o, has urged young people participating in the government’s NYOTA programme to use the funds they receive to transform their lives meaningfully.
Speaking at Moi Stadium in Kisumu, where she presided over the NYOTA verification exercise, Ageng’o reminded youth that the initiative was designed to help them become job creators rather than dependents.
“Let this money be seed capital that changes your life, not money to be consumed. We want to see young people who can create jobs, not just seek them,” she told the crowd of over 1,500 youth who had gathered for the validation.
The PS explained that the validation exercise, which is being conducted across all 47 counties, seeks to confirm that the youth who registered online are genuine and available to take up the opportunity.
Each ward, she said, will select 70 youth through a transparent, merit-based process.
In Kisumu Central Sub-County, 1,500 youth were shortlisted, but only 350 will be absorbed after undergoing an online aptitude test that assesses their readiness for business.
“The aptitude test is being done through your phone. As you answer the questions, the system evaluates whether you can do business. Once you finish, you’ll get a notification confirming whether you’re successful,” she said.
Ageng’o urged the youth to remain patient and to cooperate with the technical teams handling the validation, to ensure the exercise runs smoothly and identifies the right candidates for the NYOTA business support programme.
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She emphasised that the government was intentional about equity and inclusivity, ensuring that the opportunity benefits both genders equally and also accommodates persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“This is a 50-50 opportunity for men and women,” she said. “We’ve also made provisions for people with disabilities to be included and supported through this programme.”
Once validation is complete, she said, successful candidates will begin training in business and financial management skills before receiving a scholarship—a $50,000 grant to start or expand their enterprises.
“For those who are already in business, this money will boost your capital. For beginners, it will help you start. But it’s important that you use it wisely,” she advised.
She cautioned against misuse of the funds, saying the money should be treated as seed capital meant to spark long-term change rather than short-term consumption.
Beyond NYOTA, the PS underscored the government’s broader efforts to tackle youth unemployment through multiple programmes that equip young people with practical skills and access to decent work.
“The government is very concerned about youth unemployment and has come up with various initiatives,” she said. “NYOTA is one of them, but we also have graduate internships, the Climate Works Programme, and opportunities under the Affordable Housing Project.”
She highlighted ongoing and completed Affordable housing projects, which have already absorbed hundreds of youths in both skilled and unskilled roles.
“These projects are creating real jobs for young people. So even if you don’t get selected today, know that there are other opportunities already rolling out,” she said.
The PS also encouraged graduates and educated youth to explore the internship opportunities the government is offering to help them gain work experience while waiting for long-term employment.
“Some of you indicated that you have just finished Form Four, yet you are graduates. There are opportunities for graduates through the internship programme. The government wants you to gain experience while we continue to expand job opportunities,” she said.
The PS reiterated that the government’s ultimate goal was to make Kenya’s youth economically self-reliant by providing them with the skills, capital, and mentorship needed to sustain meaningful livelihoods.
“Today’s exercise is just one of the many opportunities the government is presenting to the youth. We are investing in you because we know your potential to drive change in your communities and across the nation,” she said.
The NYOTA programme — short for National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement- is a flagship government initiative under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection that supports youth through entrepreneurship training and financial empowerment.
As nationwide validation continues across all sub-counties in Kisumu and the rest of the country, successful applicants are expected to begin their training next month, before the Sh . 50,000 grants are disbursed.
“The government believes in your potential. Take this opportunity seriously, use the funds prudently, and let it be the beginning of a journey towards your own success story,” she said.
By Fredrick Odiero
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