Youths enter their details as they verify NYOTA project eligibility at the North Imenti NGCDF offices
Thousands of enthusiastic young people across Meru County flocked to various venues on Friday to participate in the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme rollout, a transformative government initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment through entrepreneurship and skills development.
At the North Imenti NGCDF offices, a sea of vibrant and expectant youths gathered, eager to secure a place in the programme.
Similar scenes were witnessed in all nine constituencies across the county, marking a major milestone in the nationwide rollout of NYOTA.
Speaking at the North Imenti event, area MP Rahim Dawood urged the youth to make prudent use of the funds they will receive through the initiative.
“This money is not for buying clothes or luxury. Invest it wisely and it will transform your life. This is your opportunity to build something meaningful.” Dawood said.
Two weeks earlier, Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) Director General Mwenda Rithaa held a sensitization forum at Kamunde Hall, where he outlined the eligibility criteria and objectives of the NYOTA project.
“Each ward across the country will support 70 young people, each receiving KSh 50,000 in start-up capital.This is not just about funding it’s about equipping youth with the tools and mindset for sustainable entrepreneurship,” he said.
The NYOTA programme, jointly funded by the World Bank and the Government of Kenya, is a five-year initiative targeting vulnerable youth aged 18–29 (and up to 35 for persons with disabilities). It seeks to enhance employability, promote financial inclusion, encourage savings, and strengthen youth employment systems nationwide.
MP Dawood commended President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki for prioritizing youth empowerment through the rollout of NYOTA, noting that Meru County stands to benefit immensely.
He also lauded the commitment of North Imenti’s youth, revealing that the constituency currently leads in Uwezo Fund repayment rates.
“We have remarkable success stories here in North Imenti. Some young people started with just KSh 20,000 and today qualify for loans of up to KSh 500,000. Last week, I urged the Uwezo Fund CEO to consider increasing the grant limit to over KSh 700,000 so more youth can expand their ventures,” Dawood said.
The NYOTA programme is expected to inject new energy into the local economy and offer thousands of young Kenyans a chance to chart their own path toward prosperity.
