The NYOTA Project Nationwide Validation Exercise marked a key milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to empower young people through entrepreneurship and employment creation. The nationwide exercise took place in all 290 constituencies, targeting youth from every ward in all 47 counties, with the goal of reaching 70 beneficiaries per ward under the NYOTA Project.
The exercise was designed to authenticate the eligibility of applicants who had expressed interest in the business support intervention of the project. Through this process, the government sought to ensure that qualified and deserving youth would benefit from the project’s interventions, which include entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and access to business start-up capital.
Ms. Esther Mukiri from the Presidential Economic Transformation Secretariat addressing youth during the exercise.
In Meru County, the validation exercise drew an impressive turnout as young people gathered in all the 9 constituencies. In South Imenti, the activity was led by Ms. Esther Mukiri from the Presidential Economic Transformation Secretariat and Mr. Henry Rithaa, Director General of the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), who was accompanied by local leaders, county officials, and government representatives.
Speaking during the exercise, Mr. Rithaa emphasized that the validation marked a crucial step in identifying genuine and committed youth who are ready to take part in the project. He noted that NYOTA reflects the government’s commitment to empowering young people through entrepreneurship, ensuring that the project’s benefits reach those most in need.
Ms. Glory Kinoti the Communication Lead, NYOTA component 2, addressing youth during the exercise.
He further explained that under the Business Support intervention, implemented by Micro and Small Enterprises Authority, the project would nurture youth with entrepreneurial potential through structured training, business mentorship, and access to start-up capital. This approach, he said, was designed to equip participants with the skills, mindset, and financial support required to start and sustain viable enterprises capable of creating jobs for others.
During the validation, participants also undertook the Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test (EAT) a critical tool for assessing their entrepreneurial readiness. Mr. Rithaa announced that the deadline for completing the test had been extended to allow all eligible youth sufficient time to participate before the final selection of beneficiaries.
The validation exercise was supported by National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), and youth officers, reflecting the coordinated and inclusive approach adopted in implementing the NYOTA Project. As the nationwide exercise concluded, the strong turnout witnessed across the country demonstrated the enthusiasm among Kenya’s youth to embrace entrepreneurship and take charge of their economic future.
Pictorial from the validation exercise in South Imenti Constituency
National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project is an initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment by promoting skills development, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion. The project brings together various government agencies and partners to provide practical and sustainable solutions that help young people transition from job seekers to job creators, contributing to Kenya’s broader economic transformation and inclusive growth agenda.
