A nationwide sensitization exercise targeting National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) and grassroots leaders was successfully conducted across all 47 counties to enhance awareness and promote inclusive rollout of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project. The initiative, directed by H.E. President William Ruto and led by Principal Secretaries from various State Departments, underscored a whole-of-government approach to addressing youth unemployment and expanding income-generating opportunities across the country.
Across the country, the forums were characterized by strong participation, vibrant discussions, and a shared commitment to advancing the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
In Kajiado County, the Principal Secretary for Irrigation, Mr. Ephantus K. Kimani, CBS, and the Principal Secretary for Justice, Human Rights, and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Judith N. Pareno, led the sensitization session where Mr. Kimani noted that the project was equipping young people with the tools to shape their futures and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
In Kisumu County, the Principal Secretary for Children Services, CPA Carren Ageng’o, presided over the county forum where she urged grassroots leaders to intensify mobilization of eligible youth aged between 18 to 29 years, and up to 35 for persons with disabilities.
In Uasin Gishu County, the Principal Secretary for MSMEs Development, Hon. Susan Mang’eni, led a high-impact sensitization forum attended by over 500 participants, including youth, community leaders, and government officials. PS Mang’eni emphasized that NYOTA is about creating a foundation for sustainable enterprises. She highlighted the broader support system that connects youth beneficiaries to opportunities within government procurement opportunities, digital trade platforms, helping them grow beyond start-up phase.
PS Susan Mang’eni making her presentation in Uasin Gishu County.
In Kiambu County, the Principal Secretary for Correctional Services, Dr. Salome W. Muhia-Beacco, CBS, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to inclusivity and transparency in implementing the project. She emphasized that NYOTA was designed to give young Kenyans the tools to move from dependence to self-sufficiency through enterprise development.
A similar session in Meru County brought together Principal Secretaries Ms. Roseline Njogu, Mr. Patrick Kilemi, and Mr. Gitonga Mugambi Technical Lead on MSMEs at the Presidential Economic Transformation Secretariat and the Director General, Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), Mr. Henry Rithaa. The engagement demonstrated strong intergovernmental collaboration, reinforcing the message that empowering youth is a shared national priority.
PS for Correctional Services, Dr. Salome W. Muhia-Beacco, during a press briefing in Kiambu County.
During the forums, technical teams from the implementing agencies including MSEA, the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), the National Employment Authority (NEA), and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) made detailed presentations outlining the structure of the NYOTA Project. They explained the processes of youth registration, beneficiary selection, business support, and post-funding mentorship, ensuring that all administrative officers and community leaders understood their roles in facilitating smooth implementation.
Through this sensitization exercise, the government ensured that local administrators and opinion leaders were well-informed and equipped to guide youth engagement under NYOTA in all 1,450 wards. The activity strengthened coordination between the national and county governments and reinforced a unified approach to delivering the project’s objectives.
Mr. Robert Mugambi, from the Presidential Economic Transformation Secretariat, and Mr. Henry Rithaa, DG MSEA, speaking in Meru County.
The NYOTA Project targets 820,000 young people across Kenya, providing them with opportunities for skills training, seed capital, mentorship, and market linkages. The successful completion of the sensitization forums marked an important milestone in preparing the ground for effective implementation and ensuring that every county is ready to support the rollout of this transformative youth empowerment project.
Pictorial highlights
