Government Launches NYOTA Program to Place 90,000 Youth in Jobs

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  In a significant move to tackle youth unemployment and bridge the skills gap in Kenya, the government has officially opened applications for Component 1 of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project.

 The initiative, specifically focusing on On-the-Job Experience (OJE), aims to benefit 90,000 young people across the country. Speaking during the launch in Nairobi, Fikirini Jacobs, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, emphasized that this project is a cornerstone of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

                   

       Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Fikirini Jacobs

          Who is Eligible?

  The NYOTA project is designed to reach those at the "base of the pyramid." The eligibility criteria include:

•Age: Young adults between 18 and 30 years old.

•Inclusivity: The age limit is extended to 35 years for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

•Education Level: Specifically targets those who have not progressed beyond secondary school education.

•Employment Status: Youth who are currently unemployed or working in unstable, low-paying jobs.

          What the Program Offers

  The OJE component is a six-month intensive professional residency designed to provide more than just work. Participants will receive:

•Immersive Industry Experience: Hands-on training aligned with current market needs.

•Professional Mentorship: Access to one-on-one coaching and development workshops.

•Certification: Nationally recognized accreditation through the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).

•Financial Support: A monthly subsistence allowance of KES 6,000 to help cover daily logistics and transport.

                 How to Apply

  The government has streamlined the application process to ensure it is accessible even to those without high-end smartphones or internet access.

Application Method: Dial the USSD code *254#.

Deadline: The application window is short, running for two weeks from January 29th to February 13th, 2026.

              Broad Impact of the NYOTA Project

  While the current OJE phase targets 90,000 beneficiaries, the broader NYOTA project has an ambitious goal of reaching 820,000 young people nationwide. Beyond on-the-job training, the project includes business support ingredients, procurement training, and specialized support for youth-led enterprises.

   PS Fikirini Jacobs noted that this is a deliberate shift from "trickle-down" economics to a model that starts development from the village and ward levels. "NYOTA is translating the Bottom-Up agenda into tangible impact, ensuring that development rises all the way to the top by empowering those at the base," he stated.

   Eligible youth from all 47 counties are encouraged to apply before the February 13th deadline to secure their spot in this transformative program.

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