The World Bank Kenya has issued a clarification distancing itself from a fake press release circulating on social media regarding its partnership with the government on the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme.
The fraudulent document, dated February 10, 2026, alleged that the World Bank had raised concerns following remarks made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua about the NYOTA initiative. It further claimed the institution had defended the programme and praised the government’s commitment since its launch in July 2025.
However, the World Bank has confirmed that it did not issue the statement, terming the circulating document fake and misleading.
Fake Statement Claimed Strong NYOTA Endorsement
The fabricated release described NYOTA as a flagship government initiative supported by World Bank financing. It highlighted the programme’s objectives, including improving livelihoods for vulnerable youth by enhancing access to employment opportunities, promoting income generation, and encouraging savings habits.
The fake document also listed several past youth-focused projects funded by the World Bank in Kenya, including:
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Kenya Youth Empowerment Project (KYEP)
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Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project (KYEOP)
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Kazi Kwa Vijana (2009)
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Kazi Mtaani (2020)
Additionally, it praised the government’s continued commitment to youth empowerment under the NYOTA programme.
World Bank Reaffirms Support but Denies Issuing Statement
While the World Bank has previously supported youth empowerment initiatives in Kenya, it clarified that the specific press statement in circulation was not authentic and should be disregarded.
The clarification comes amid heightened political debate surrounding the NYOTA programme, especially after comments attributed to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua sparked public discussion.
Rising Concern Over Fake Press Statements
The incident highlights the growing challenge of misinformation, particularly involving major international institutions such as the World Bank. Fake statements can easily mislead the public, distort policy discussions, and create unnecessary political tension.
Observers note that as Kenya moves closer to the 2027 General Election, political narratives around government-funded programmes are likely to intensify, making fact-checking and verification increasingly important.
For now, the World Bank has urged the public and media to rely only on official communication channels for accurate information regarding its projects and partnerships in Kenya.
