The government has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and inclusive economic growth through the NYOTA Empowerment Project, a flagship initiative aimed at ensuring young people are not left behind in Kenya’s transformative development journey.
According to Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, the programme has been deliberately structured to address the unique challenges facing young people by equipping them with practical skills, financial resources, and opportunities to actively participate in nation-building and secure sustainable livelihoods.
“The Government has deliberately tailored the NYOTA Empowerment Project to ensure that young people are not left behind in Kenya’s transformative development journey,” Mvurya said.
He explained that through its targeted components, the initiative empowers youth to become productive contributors to the economy, fostering self-reliance and long-term economic stability. The project focuses on skills development, entrepreneurship support, and access to opportunities that unlock growth at the grassroots level.
Mvurya also called on young people to take responsibility for their future by embracing the opportunities provided by the government. He urged them to reject divisive and tribal politics, warning that such divisions only hinder progress and weaken national unity.
In addition, the Cabinet Secretary cautioned against drug, alcohol, and substance abuse, describing them as vices that undermine dreams, derail ambitions, and rob young people of their full potential.
“I urge the young people of our country to embrace these opportunities, shun divisive and tribal politics, as well as drug, alcohol, and substance abuse vices that undermine their dreams and derail their aspirations,” he said.
Mvurya made the remarks while accompanying President William Ruto during the disbursement of KSh250 million to 9,500 young people drawn from Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, and West Pokot counties. The funding is intended to support youth-led initiatives and enterprises, helping them create jobs and drive local economic growth.
He noted that the disbursement reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment as a cornerstone of inclusive development. The NYOTA Empowerment Project, he added, reflects the administration’s broader agenda of investing in young people as key drivers of Kenya’s economic transformation.
The initiative comes at a time when youth unemployment remains a major national concern, positioning the NYOTA project as a critical intervention to unlock opportunity, promote unity, and build a resilient, future-ready generation.
