President William Samoei Ruto has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to placing young people at the centre of Kenya’s national development agenda, saying their energy, skills and innovation are critical to the country’s transformation both now and in the future.
In a statement shared on his official platforms, the Head of State said the government has taken deliberate steps to empower the youth to become active participants in driving economic growth and social change across the country.
According to President Ruto, key initiatives already underway include the Affordable Housing Programme, opportunities for jobs abroad, the expansion of digital jobs, and the implementation of the NYOTA initiative, which is designed to unlock youth entrepreneurship and enterprise.
NYOTA Programme Targets 820,000 Youths
The President revealed that the NYOTA programme targets 820,000 young people nationwide and is anchored on four main pillars:
- Business support,
- Recognition of prior learning,
- Training and mentorship, and
- Savings mobilisation.
“These pillars are meant to give young Kenyans real pathways to opportunity, self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
KSh173.2 Million Disbursed to Young Entrepreneurs
President Ruto also announced the launch of the disbursement of KSh173.2 million in NYOTA business start-up capital to 6,982 young entrepreneurs drawn from Nyeri, Murang’a, Nyandarua and Kirinyaga counties.
The funds were officially disbursed during an event held at the Kabiru-ini ASK Grounds in Nyeri, marking a significant milestone in the rollout of the programme at the grassroots level.
“Empowering Youth Is Investing in the Future”
The President emphasized that empowering young people is not just a social obligation but a strategic investment in Kenya’s future prosperity.
“When we put the youth at the centre of our agenda, we are unlocking Kenya’s potential for innovation, productivity and inclusive growth,” Ruto noted.
The NYOTA programme is expected to play a key role in reducing youth unemployment, strengthening small and micro-enterprises, and nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurs capable of transforming local economies across the country.
