Over 1,400 Embu Youths to Benefit from Transformative NYOTA Initiative

The project was officially launched at the Embu Talent Academy, where Principal Secretary for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Esther Mworia, underscored the program’s goal of tackling youth unemployment, promoting self-reliance, and encouraging a culture of saving.

“Young people must be empowered with both skills and resources to become self-reliant,” said Mworia. “This initiative will help eliminate idleness and joblessness by giving youth the tools to build sustainable livelihoods.”

She emphasized that the government would provide training to ensure proper utilization of the funds allocated to beneficiaries, thereby improving their chances of success and contributing to economic growth.

Despite high national interest in the program, Mworia revealed that not all applicants had completed their registration.

“Out of the 1.4 million applications received, only 1.1 million were finalized. It is critical that applicants complete the process to fully access these life-changing opportunities,” she urged.

Mworia also mentioned that the program has provisions for reaching 10,000 hard-to-reach or vulnerable youth through strategic partnerships with social enterprises, ensuring inclusivity.

Embu County Deputy Governor Kinyua Mugo also encouraged local youth to take full advantage of the opportunity, assuring them of county government support in implementing the program.

“As a county, we are committed to collaborating with the national government to ensure NYOTA succeeds,” Mugo said. “Registration is simple and accessible—even a basic phone can be used to sign up.”

He added that successful applicants will receive training in business development and socio-emotional skills, in addition to mentorship to guide them in using the funds wisely.

“This kind of training is essential in ensuring long-term, sustainable impact for our youth,” he noted.

Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi Karemba, who was present at the launch, lauded the NYOTA program, stating that at least 420 youth from his constituency stand to benefit.

“Youth in Embu are talented and full of potential but often lack the capital or opportunities to move forward. This project will give them both the skills and support they need to succeed,” he said.

Targeting young people aged 18–29 (and up to 35 for those living with disabilities), NYOTA focuses on Form Four leavers, unemployed and underemployed youth, low-income earners, and refugees in areas such as Garissa and Turkana.

The initiative is a multi-agency collaboration involving the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA), the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), the National Employment Authority, and the World Bank.

Youth have been urged to submit their applications before the deadline on October 12, as the registration window officially opened on October 6.