Launch of the Nyota Programme in Kakamega County
Hundreds of young people gathered at the Mumias Sports Complex in Kakamega County on Friday, marking a significant moment as President William Ruto officially launched the Nyota programme. This initiative is designed to empower youth by providing them with essential skills, job opportunities, and access to financial support.
The event highlighted the growing interest among the youth in empowerment schemes, particularly those focused on enterprise and talent development. The large turnout demonstrated the enthusiasm and eagerness of the youth to participate in such programs.
President Ruto was accompanied by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and other notable leaders during the launch. The youth welcomed him enthusiastically, expressing their hopes of benefiting from the programme. Excitement filled the air as recipients confirmed they had received the funds through text messages from the programme administrators.
During his speech, President Ruto emphasized that the Nyota programme is a key component of the government’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young people across the country who possess practical skills or talent. He outlined the various aspects of the programme, including structured apprenticeship and employment placements, frameworks for recognizing existing skills, and pathways for youth to engage in business with the government.
A total of 12,155 beneficiaries from Busia, Vihiga, Kakamega, and Bungoma counties, which form the Western cluster, each received Sh25,000. This marked a major milestone in the programme’s rollout. In total, Sh267 million was scheduled for disbursement during the launch event to the beneficiaries in the four counties.
Ruto revealed that over Sh160 million had already been sent to beneficiaries’ mobile wallets. The messages received by beneficiaries read: “Dear beneficiary, you have successfully unlocked your start-up capital. Sh22,000 has been sent to your Pochi la Biashara wallet. Sh3,000 will be sent to your Zidi account.”
Overview of the Nyota Programme
Nyota is a five-year flagship initiative funded by the World Bank, aimed at empowering youth with capital to start and grow small businesses. It is spearheaded by the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs and is part of the government’s broader effort to empower the youth under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The programme targets young entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities, and job seekers by providing them with start-up capital, mentorship, and business development training. It is designed to create sustainable economic opportunities and foster entrepreneurship among the youth.
Key Components of the Nyota Programme
- Structured Apprenticeship and Employment Placements: The programme offers structured apprenticeships and employment opportunities to help youth gain practical experience and build their careers.
- Recognition of Existing Skills: Frameworks are in place to recognize and validate the existing skills of participants, enabling them to leverage their talents effectively.
- Pathways for Business with Government: The initiative provides clear pathways for youth to engage in business with the government, creating new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
- Financial Support: Each beneficiary receives a grant of Sh25,000, along with additional support through mobile wallets and other financial tools.
- Mentorship and Training: Participants receive mentorship and business development training to enhance their entrepreneurial skills and increase their chances of success.