Gov't launches NYOTA program in Mandera to empower youth

The Principal Secretary for the State Department for National Government Coordination (SDNGC), Ahmed A. Ibrahim, today presided over the official launch of the NYOTA Program in Mandera County, a youth empowerment initiative aligned with President William Samoei Ruto’s directive to expand economic opportunities for young Kenyans.

The launch event brought together senior national and county government officials, community and religious leaders, youth representatives, and departmental heads, underscoring the government’s multi-sectoral approach to development.

In Mandera County, 2,100 young people drawn from 30 wards are expected to directly benefit from the program, which aims to equip them with financial support and skills to start and sustain small-scale enterprises.

Speaking during the launch, PS Ahmed Ibrahim called on local leaders, partners, and community champions to actively mobilize and sensitize young people at the grassroots level to take advantage of the one-week application window.

“This initiative presents a great opportunity for our youth to transform their lives. I urge them to apply in large numbers and take full advantage of the program,” he said.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to economic and social empowerment of young people, emphasizing that such initiatives are critical in tackling unemployment and promoting sustainable development, particularly in marginalized regions.

The NYOTA Program, a flagship initiative under the national administration, seeks to promote inclusivity, fairness, and transparency through close collaboration between the national and county governments.

Across the country, the program targets 100,000 youth, with each ward set to benefit 70 young people, who will receive a KSh 50,000 grant to establish income-generating ventures.

Additionally, 90,000 more youth will undergo skills development and job training under certified professional trainers to boost their employability and entrepreneurial capacity.

The rollout in Mandera marks a significant step in the government’s broader agenda to empower young Kenyans and drive socio-economic transformation across the country.