The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Cooperatives and MSME Development, Hon. Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya EGH, has been closely monitoring the ongoing NYOTA Business Skills Training in Kakamega County as part of the government’s commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs.
In Khwisero Constituency, the CS visited beneficiaries undergoing the week-long training, engaging them directly to understand their experiences and what they are learning. He was accompanied by Ikolomani Member of Parliament and Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Bernard Shinali, MSEA Board Director Mr. Timothy Biwott, and Kakamega County Commissioner Mr. Micheal Mwangi. The County Commissioner reassured the beneficiaries and stakeholders that the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) will work hand in hand with local leaders to trace youth and ensure that NYOTA achieves its full target across the county.
Dr. Oparanya later continued the monitoring exercise in Likuyani Constituency, where he encouraged beneficiaries to use the training as a foundation for building long-term business growth. He advised them to reinvest their start-up capital wisely, nurture a culture of saving, and strengthen networks that will sustain their ventures. He further emphasized that through the NYOTA Project, youth will not only receive business development training and capital support but also gain mentorship, linkages, and exposure to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO).
Hon. Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya, speaking to beneficiaries in Khwisero Constituency.
Hon. Bernard Shinali and Mr. Timothy Biwott reaffirmed their support for the initiative, urging beneficiaries to seize the opportunity and translate the knowledge into sustainable enterprises that can uplift their livelihoods and communities.
The NYOTA Business Development Skills (BDS) Training in Kakamega is part of a wider government project rolled out in the Western region counties of Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, and Busia. The training equips youth with critical knowledge in social-emotional skills, business planning, and financial management, and will be followed by two months of intensive business mentorship and the youth will receive business start up capital of Ksh.50,000. Beneficiaries will also receive hands-on support from business development experts to refine and incubate their business ideas.
Pictorial from Likuyani constituency
The NYOTA Project, a Government of Kenya initiative, aims to enhance youth employability, entrepreneurship, and access to opportunities. Its formal launch is expected to coincide with the disbursement of start-up capital to the first cohort of trained beneficiaries in the Western region, to be presided over by H.E. President William Ruto in the coming weeks.
By visiting training centres across all 12 constituencies in Kakamega, CS Oparanya continues to demonstrate the government’s commitment to ensuring that no young person is left behind as the project rolls out its interventions.
Pictorial highlights from the monitoring exercise.
