- NYOTA Project aims to benefit at least 820,000 jobless and vulnerable youth.
- Applications opened on July 11 and close on August 15, 2025.
- The program offers job placements, entrepreneurship support, and skill certification.
- Youth will earn Ksh. 6,000 monthly during paid job training.
- Project forms part of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
- World Bank is a key partner in the initiative.
The Kenyan government has rolled out a bold initiative called the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA), targeting the rising levels of joblessness among young people across the country. The program, officially launching in August 2025, seeks to uplift vulnerable youth—including persons with disabilities by connecting them to real job opportunities, business support, and formal skill recognition.
This large-scale plan is being spearheaded by the Government in partnership with the World Bank.
NYOTA is structured into three critical sections to make it easier for young people to access opportunities based on their different needs:
1. Paid Job Training
Youth will be attached to employers across different sectors for a short period (3 to 6 months), where they’ll gain hands-on experience. Each trainee will receive a monthly stipend of Ksh. 6,000, deposited into their Haba Haba savings account to encourage a culture of saving.
2. Business Mentorship and Financing
For those with active businesses or ideas they want to grow, NYOTA will provide entrepreneurship training, guidance from mentors, and financial help to boost their small ventures sustainably.
3. Skills Certification
Recognising that many young people have practical skills without formal papers, NYOTA includes Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)—a method of certifying skills earned outside the classroom, improving their chances of being hired or expanding their businesses.
Applications opened on July 11, 2025, and by late July, over one million youth had already applied. The application window remains open until August 15, 2025, and eligible youth can apply online or visit local administrative offices for help.
The sheer volume of interest underscores the severity of youth unemployment. While the World Bank estimated the 2024 youth jobless rate at 5.7%, analysts argue the real figures, especially those in informal and underpaid work, are much higher.
Data from the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) shows that young people make up over 35% of the population, yet face the harshest struggles when it comes to finding decent work. Around one million youth enter the job market every year, many without the necessary skills or academic qualifications.
NYOTA is now joining other youth-focused plans like the Hustler Fund and SME support programs, aiming to change that narrative. According to a government official, NYOTA will serve as a “structured path” for youth to participate in building the nation’s economy.
“The NYOTA Project will bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, recognising the untapped potential of our youth and providing a structured path to economic participation.”
— Ministry of Youth Affairs Official
With support from the World Bank and local partners, the government is hopeful that NYOTA will not only solve short-term job needs but also empower youth in the long run. For many, it’s not just about money; it’s about gaining dignity, stability, and a new beginning.
If successfully rolled out, NYOTA could play a major role in shaping Kenya’s future by reducing unemployment and creating a more inclusive workforce.
For more updates or application assistance, eligible youth are advised to use the official online platform or visit nearby administrative centres before August 15, 2025.
