By Michelle Ndaga
The Government of Kenya has reaffirmed its strong commitment to empowering young people and creating jobs through the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, a flagship initiative designed to equip youth with practical skills, resources, and opportunities to thrive.
The project, implemented under the leadership of President Dr. William Ruto and supported by the World Bank, seeks to build sustainable pathways for young Kenyans to learn, earn, and save while promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and financial inclusion.
In Siaya County, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga led the launch of the County Stakeholder Sensitization Forum, where he emphasized that NYOTA builds on previous youth empowerment programmes by integrating technical training, business support, and digital skilling to expand grassroots opportunities.
He noted that the initiative complements ongoing health and social protection reforms under the Social Health Authority (SHA) through the Taifa Care model, which aims to strengthen primary healthcare and ensure universal access to quality services.
Meanwhile, in Kirinyaga County, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms. Mary Muthoni presided over the NYOTA Project Sensitisation Forum, bringing together National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) and representatives from various sectors to mobilize support for the programme’s implementation.
Under the NYOTA Programme, 70 youth per ward will receive business development training and start-up grants to establish enterprises, while self-taught youth will be supported to certify their skills, improving their employability and competitiveness.
Nationally, the project targets 820,000 youth who will also be trained on Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) to help them secure government contracts and access sustainable markets.
Dr. Oluga commended Siaya County’s collaboration in advancing national development and urged young people to embrace the programme as a pathway to self-reliance.
County Commissioner Norbert Komora encouraged the youth to seize the opportunity with determination and creativity.
Ms. Muthoni reaffirmed that NYOTA is part of Kenya’s broader social transformation agenda, aligning with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and supporting the government’s vision of inclusive economic growth.
