Nairobi: In collaboration with the World Bank, Kenya has officially launched the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Program, a transformative initiative designed to empower over 200,000 youths across the country. The program aims to provide access to employment, entrepreneurship, digital technology, and creative industry opportunities. The launch event, held at a hotel in Nairobi, was presided over by Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, along with the ministry’s Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Fikirini Jacobs.
According to Kenya News Agency, the event was attended by youth leaders from all 47 counties, implementing partners, and stakeholders from both government and the private sector. Mvurya highlighted that the program serves as a strategic milestone in the government’s efforts to harness the potential of Kenya’s youth. He emphasized that NYOTA is not just a project but a national platform aimed at providing young people with equitable access to opportunities that help them realize their aspirations.
Mvurya pointed out that the application process for NYOTA is fully digital and accessible via mobile phones, eliminating bureaucratic barriers. He noted that applicants only need a phone, internet access, and an ID to apply for business support or recognition of prior learning. Mvurya also revealed that the program is already making progress, with applications surpassing expectations as it moves into the rollout and implementation phases.
The transparency of the project’s recent logo competition was praised by Mvurya, who noted that winners were awarded following a public, inclusive selection process. He announced that NYOTA will be fully rolled out during the International Youth Week in August, with many applicants expected to be certified to begin receiving support by then.
Fikirini Jacobs echoed the sentiments of the Cabinet Secretary and urged the youth to take advantage of the available opportunities. He emphasized that NYOTA targets vulnerable youths who lack formal educational qualifications by providing avenues through recognition of prior learning and national certification frameworks. Social enterprises, access to government procurement, and financial inclusion programs are also embedded within NYOTA’s design to reach underserved youth.
Fikirini highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to international job placements through the Labour Mobility Program, supported by the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF). He shared that the State Department is facilitating 600 youths with up to Sh300,000 each to enable them to take up job opportunities abroad, ensuring that no youth is left behind due to lack of facilitation.
Global remittances from Kenyan youths working abroad under the program contributed over Sh5 billion to the economy last year, according to Fikirini, affirming the value of the diaspora in national development. To improve access to youth services, he announced the development of a digital Youth Opportunity Passport, consolidating all youth-targeted government programs onto one platform, and called on the National Youth Council to expedite digitization for real-time updates.
Reflecting on his own journey, Fikirini recounted how attending International Youth Day as a student in 2018 shaped his path in public service. He shared his experience of coming from Bamba, Kilifi, one of the most disadvantaged areas, to attend Youth Day in Nairobi, leading to his current position as a principal secretary.
Both the CS and PS urged the youth to reject manipulation by political actors and focus on building their future. Mvurya advised, “Those inciting you to violence have already reached their destination, so focus on your journey and use these platforms to shape your legacy.”
The NYOTA Program, a flagship under President Dr. William Ruto’s youth empowerment agenda, is expected to consolidate youth-focused development efforts, streamline service delivery, and create a coordinated framework for youth engagement across Kenya.