PS Betsy Rolls Out NYOTA Program, Targets 70 Youth Per Ward in Tharaka-Nithi

Blue Economy Principal Secretary (PS) Betsy Njagi on Monday spearheaded a grassroots leaders’ sensitization programme for the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) in Tharaka-Nithi County, held at Chuka University.

The sensitization programme follows a directive by President William Ruto to all Principal Secretaries to ensure inclusivity and transparency in the rollout of the job creation initiative, targeting vulnerable Kenyan youth at the bottom of the economic pyramid.

In her address, PS Betsy said the project is worth KShs 5 billion and targets 70 youth per ward, with a total goal of reaching 820,000 youth countrywide.

“We are in a sensitization programme where all the 47 counties are incorporated. The President is very passionate about the people of Kenya, especially the unemployed youth. We are calling on eligible youth to apply for this program and ensure they follow all the prompts. This sensitization is intergovernmental, and all arms of government are here to support you in this process,” she said.

According to the PS, the program is a five-year government initiative aimed at addressing unemployment, enhancing income generation, and promoting a saving culture among the youth. It targets vulnerable youth aged between 18–29 years, and up to 35 years for persons with disabilities.

The program is open to individuals with Form 4 level education or below who are unemployed, underemployed, or in low-income jobs.

The application period runs from 6th to 12th October, with validation and sensitization of applicants at the constituency level expected to take place on 17th October. The national launch is scheduled for 29th October.

Tharaka-Nithi County Woman Representative Susan Ngugi called for more sensitization on government programs, urging cooperation between government institutions and leaders to ensure successful rollout and implementation of the NYOTA program.

“People have not been sensitized enough on such programs. I am happy that everyone has been brought on board, including leaders, to push for sensitization. We are going to work as a team to ensure successful implementation of government programs. As a member of the Social Protection Committee in Parliament, I will mobilize accordingly on my end to ensure more youth receive this much-needed information,” she said.

Tharaka Constituency MP George Gitonga Murugara noted that the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda was a key pillar in Kenya Kwanza’s campaign manifesto, with NYOTA envisioned as a program to support vulnerable youth through job creation.

“The youth were promised that they would be empowered to lift themselves up. Let every person who qualifies for NYOTA apply. We will assist our youth and people because our government cares about them. We have to support the President and his Deputy, they mean well for our country, and more can be achieved if we support the government of the day,” the MP said.

Chuka Igambang’ombe MP Patrick Munene urged eligible and interested applicants to follow through with the application process to the end, emphasizing that the aptitude test, which is part of the application, was a stage many applicants struggled to navigate. He called on applicants to take advantage of constituency-level sensitization scheduled for 17th October to receive training on the application procedures.

“Our statement is that we support the government and the programs they are rolling out. We have been taken through the NYOTA program, and we will provide enough sensitization to ensure those who apply follow through to the end,” he said.

Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki, who was also in attendance, thanked President William Ruto and his Deputy Kithure Kindiki for the initiative.

“One of the biggest challenges in the country is youth unemployment. With this program, our youth will be empowered. We are calling upon youth to take their time and go through the necessary tests to ensure successful applications,” he said.

Other leaders present included Deputy Governor Wilson Nyaga Muisrael, County Commissioner David Gitonga, and CECM Moreen Nyambura Kariuki.