Ruto issues directive to PSs as government rolls out NYOTA program
Ruto issues directive to PSs as government rolls out NYOTA program
President William Ruto has directed all Principal Secretaries to spearhead grassroots engagement in the rollout of the government’s National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Program.
In a statement after a meeting with PSs on Friday, October 3, Ruto announced that Principal Secretaries will be dispatched across the country to ensure seamless coordination.
“On Monday October 6, 2025, all the Principal Secretaries will be in all the 47 counties to meet governors, members of Parliament and county assemblies (MCAs), and chiefs to sensitise the leaders and youth on the programme, and to align implementation at the grassroots,” he stated.
Ruto noted that the program’s success depends on the involvement of leaders at all levels of governance, stressing that inclusivity would be the cornerstone of the rollout.
“By involving leaders from the Executive, Legislature, and county governments, the process will be transparent and inclusive, ensuring that every young person has a fair chance to benefit,” he added.
Ruto explained that the program is backed by a partnership between the government and the World Bank, adding that it is designed to provide start-up capital for young entrepreneurs drawn from all wards across the country.
“In a partnership between the Government and the World Bank, the initiative will provide Ksh50,000 grants to each of the 70 young people selected from each of our country’s 1,450 wards, enabling them to launch business ventures,” he further said.
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Ruto stated that the program is not only an investment in the youth but also a catalyst for entrepreneurship and economic transformation in the country.
“This Ksh5 billion programme will support 100,000 young people nationwide. Through NYOTA, we are investing in our youth, unlocking opportunities, and driving enterprise and innovation across Kenya,” he concluded.
This comes months after the NYOTA Program launched the On-the-Job Experience (OJE) initiative targeting unemployed youth across all 47 counties.
In a notice on Tuesday, July 15, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports said the initiative offers hands-on workplace learning, mentorship from industry professionals, and access to a nationally recognized certificate.
To qualify, applicants must be between 18–29 years of age, or up to 35 for persons with disabilities.
Additionally, they must be unemployed or in a low-income or vulnerable job, and should also have a Form 4 level of education or below.
Participants in the program will benefit from life skills training, business and digital skills training, and hands-on training in real work environments.
They will also benefit from mentorship from industry experts, a nationally recognized certificate and an improved ability to secure employment.
Interested youth are encouraged to apply by dialing *254#, selecting the NYOTA Project option, and following the instructions.
Applications are currently open from Friday, July 11, to Friday, August 15.
The ministry advised that no payment is required for any services under the NYOTA Project.
This initiative is being implemented in partnership with the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
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