1,750 Nyandarua Youth Set to Benefit from NYOTA Empowerment Programme
At least 1,750 youths from Nyandarua County are poised to benefit from the World Bank-supported National Youth Opportunity Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme, designed to foster entrepreneurship and economic inclusion. Under the initiative, each of the county’s 25 wards will have 70 youths selected to receive Sh50,000 to launch income-generating ventures. The announcement was made during a physical verification exercise held at Jabini Rurinja Stadium in Kinangop constituency, aimed at validating youth records to ensure transparency and inclusivity.
Principal Secretary for the State Department of Roads, Eng. Joseph Mbugua, emphasized that NYOTA is not just a verification exercise but a nationwide movement to empower young people, build entrepreneurial skills, and promote economic participation. He assured that after the validation process, beneficiaries would undergo training before receiving funds, urging them to use the money responsibly and to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to avoid diverting resources for medical expenses. The PS also encouraged youths to participate actively in civic processes, including voter registration, to safeguard their interests in upcoming elections.
The exercise drew hundreds of youths from all constituencies in Nyandarua, including Kinangop, Olkalou, Ndaragwa, Kipipiri, and Oljoroorok. Officials reiterated that the programme aligns with the government’s broader vision for sustainable development and youth empowerment, ensuring that deserving young Kenyans are included in national initiatives. Follow-up visits and monitoring will continue to guarantee that the funds and training have meaningful impacts on youth livelihoods and local entrepreneurship.