Introduction to the Nyota Programme
The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (Nyota) programme, launched by President William Ruto, has received strong support from four county governments in Western Kenya. These counties—Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma, and Vihiga—are committed to providing financial and infrastructural support to the programme’s first cohort of 11,550 beneficiaries.
Financial Support and Disbursement Details
The initial disbursement for the first cohort amounts to Sh288 million, with each beneficiary receiving Sh25,000 in the first tranche. A second tranche of the same amount will be provided, bringing the total start-up capital to Sh50,000 per individual. This means that the total disbursements to the four counties will reach Sh577 million.
County Government Initiatives
Governors from the four counties have made several commitments to support the youths involved in the programme. Paul Otuoma of Busia, Wilber Ottichilo of Vihiga, Kenneth Lusaka of Bungoma, and Kakamega deputy governor Ayub Savula have announced a two-year tax holiday for the beneficiaries.
Savula emphasized that the county aggregation parks currently under construction in Busia and Kakamega will provide access to markets for the youths’ products and services. Additionally, kiosks will be allocated free of charge to Nyota beneficiaries from Kakamega.
He urged the youth to take advantage of the unconditional grants and loans offered by the department of trade to boost their businesses and create jobs. “The Nyota programme is a game-changer for our youths, providing them with the necessary skills and resources to become job creators rather than job seekers,” Savula said.
Additional Support Measures
Savula also mentioned that the county government will complement the programme with social protection grants for youth and women groups. Ottichilo added that his administration will align its county empowerment funds with Nyota to further benefit the youths.
Bernard Shinali, Kakamega county parliamentary caucus chairman and Ikolomani MP, suggested that the two-year tax holiday was too short and proposed a seven-year period instead. He argued that youths under the Nyota programme should be treated like those in special economic zones and given a 10-year tax holiday.
Policy Development and Future Plans
Wycliffe Oparanya, Co-operatives and MSMEs CS, stated that the ministry will work with the Council of Governors to develop adequate policies in counties to support youth empowerment. “What has been said here by governors must be captured in policies if the youths have to reap full benefits of the programme. From today we’re making millionaires in this country,” he said.
He added, “We will walk with the beneficiaries through the journey to succeed.”
Programme Overview and Target Group
The Nyota programme aims to disburse Sh5 billion to 110,000 youths, with 70 beneficiaries from each of the 1,450 wards across the country. The target group includes young men and women aged between 18 and 29 years, and 35 for persons living with disabilities, who have a form four or lower level of education.
Susan Mang’eni, Co-operatives and MSMEs PS, highlighted that the programme presents an opportunity for the youths to unleash their potential. Fikirini Jacobs, Youth Affairs PS, noted that it is the first time the government has created a programme to empower vulnerable youths.
He added that the ministry is developing a youth mainstreaming policy. “It’s the first time in history the government has created opportunities for the youth regardless of their level of education,” Jacobs said.
Conclusion
The Nyota programme represents a significant step towards empowering the youth in Kenya. With financial support, infrastructure development, and policy initiatives, the programme aims to transform the lives of young people and create a more prosperous future for the nation.