PS Jonathan Mueke Leads NYOTA Sensitisation Forum in Kitui, Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Youth Empowerment
The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Livestock Development, Jonathan Mueke, CBS, today officially launched the NYOTA Sensitisation Forum at the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) grounds in Kitui town.
The NYOTA Programme, a 5-billion-shilling flagship initiative spearheaded under the leadership of President Dr. William Ruto and financed by the World Bank, aims to empower over 820,000 vulnerable youth across Kenya’s 1,450 wards, including refugee communities in Garissa and Turkana Counties.
The sensitisation forum brought together administrative officers, county officials, and local leaders from both the national and Kitui County governments. The engagement sought to mobilise leadership and foster collaboration at the county level ahead of the NYOTA application window reopening set for 6th–12th October 2025.
Eligible youth aged 18–29 years (and up to 35 years for Persons with Disabilities) are encouraged to apply via the zero-rated USSD code *254#, ensuring an inclusive, transparent, and accessible selection process.
Speaking during the launch, PS Jonathan Mueke highlighted the government’s commitment to turning Kenya’s youth potential into a catalyst for growth and innovation. “Through NYOTA, the Government seeks to transform our youth potential into enterprise, productivity, and prosperity lighting up pathways for jobs, skills, and sustainable livelihoods,” said PS Mueke.
The NYOTA Programme is anchored on four key components: Employment and Apprenticeship, offering technical, life, and on-the-job skills through master craftsmen and employers, targeting 90,000 beneficiaries. Business Support, Providing Ksh. 50,000 business grants and entrepreneurship training to establish 100,000 youth-led MSMEs nationwide.
The Programme is also also focused on Savings and Social Protection, promoting a savings culture through the Haba Haba Scheme, which matches youth savings and offers maternity income replacement benefits for consistent savers and Digital and Institutional Strengthening– Building capacity within counties and government agencies to enhance youth employment and coordination.
The event was also attended by Kitui South MP Dr. Rachael Kaki Nyamai, Kitui Chief Officer for Youths, Sports and Digital Innovation Nason Kang’alya, several Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), and other community leaders, who commended the government’s proactive steps toward empowering young people and promoting self-reliance in Kitui County and the nation at large.
The launch marked a significant milestone in the nationwide rollout of the NYOTA Programme, reaffirming the government’s dedication to empowering youth and creating sustainable livelihoods across Kenya.
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