The project targets vulnerable youth across all 47 counties who meet the following criteria:

a.   Aged 18–29 years (up to 35 years for Persons with Disabilities).

b.    Have a Form Four education level or below.

c.     Are unemployed, underemployed, or engaged in low-income work.

 Is there a cost to participate?

No. Participation in the NYOTA Project is completely free. Applicants are not required to pay any registration, application, or service fees.

Are there special provisions for Persons with Disabilities?

Yes. Persons with Disabilities can apply up to the age of 35 years, and the project incorporates inclusive measures to ensure accessibility and participation.

The project consists of four key interventions:

a.    Improving Youth Employability

ü  Socio-emotional and work-readiness training.

ü  Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Experience (OJE).

ü  Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certification.

b.    Expanding Employment Opportunities

ü  Business development training.

ü  Mentorship and coaching.

ü  Start-up capital support.

ü  Financial linkages for entrepreneurs.

c.     Supporting Youth Savings

ü  Enrolment into the NSSF Haba Haba Savings Scheme.

ü  Financial literacy training.

ü  Matched savings incentives and social protection benefits.

d.    Strengthening Youth Employment Systems

ü  Digital skills training.

ü  Access to government procurement opportunities.

ü  Capacity building and youth empowerment initiatives.

1.     What happens after I submit my application?

Applications are reviewed to confirm eligibility. Eligible applicants are then selected through a randomized selection process.

2.    How can I confirm that my application was received?

You will receive an SMS confirmation after successfully submitting your application.

3.    How will I know if I have been selected?

Successful applicants receive an official SMS from NYOTA with instructions on the next steps.

4.   Why was I not selected even though I qualified?

Selection into the project is conducted through a randomized process among eligible applicants.

5.    Can I benefit from more than one intervention?

No. A beneficiary can only participate in one NYOTA intervention. However, if you are not selected for one intervention, you may still be considered for another.

6.    Will there be future application opportunities?

Yes. Additional application windows may be announced through official NYOTA communication channels.

1.     When will skills placement be done?

Beneficiaries will receive an official SMS with instructions once the placement exercise begins.

2.   Can I change the skill I selected during application?

Yes. A window for skill changes may be provided before the placement exercise begins.

3.    Can I transfer to another county or constituency?

No. Inter-county and inter-constituency transfers are currently not permitted under project guidelines.

4.    Will I receive a certificate after training?

Yes. Beneficiaries who complete On-the-Job Experience (OJE) or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will receive nationally recognized certification.

1.     What is the Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test (EAT)?

The Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test (EAT) assesses a beneficiary's entrepreneurial mindset and readiness for business support.

To access the test:

a.    Send the word NYOTA to 40270.

b.    Select your preferred language.

c.     Complete the assessment using the same phone number used during application.

2.    How is the start-up capital disbursed?

Successful beneficiaries must first complete a four-day business training programme.

Thereafter, they receive KES 50,000 in start-up capital, disbursed in two instalments of KES 25,000 each.

3.    Does NYOTA project offer loans?

No. NYOTA does not provide loans or credit facilities. The project focuses on training, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship support, and savings.

4.    Who can I contact regarding the Business Support Intervention?

You may visit your nearest MSEA office or contact MSEA through:

Phone: 0700 666 000

Email: info@msea.go.ke

1.     Why have I not received my stipend?

Your payment may have failed validation during processing. If your details require correction, kindly visit the nearest Safaricom Shop. If corrections have already been made, your payment may be undergoing reprocessing.

2.    Why did I receive a lower stipend amount?

Stipends are paid based on attendance records captured in the project system.

3.    Why wasn't my stipend sent through Pochi la Biashara?

Payments are currently processed directly to beneficiaries' registered accounts to ensure efficient disbursement.

1.     What is the Haba Haba Savings Scheme?

Selected beneficiaries are automatically enrolled in the NSSF Haba Haba Savings Scheme and assigned an NSSF membership number.

2.    When can I access my savings?

Only the short-term savings portion (30%) can be accessed after one year. The remaining amount is preserved for long-term savings.

1.     What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?

RPL is a process that identifies, assesses, and certifies skills, knowledge, and competencies acquired through formal, non-formal, or informal learning.

2.   Who qualifies for NYOTA-RPL?

Applicants must:

a.    Meet the NYOTA eligibility criteria.

b.    Possess verifiable technical skills in a specific trade or occupation.

3.    What is RPL awareness and screening?

Awareness involves sensitizing beneficiaries to the RPL process. Screening assesses skills, experience, and evidence of competence to determine readiness for certification.

4.    What is a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)?

A Portfolio of Evidence is a collection of documents and materials demonstrating a beneficiary's skills and experience. Examples include:

a.    Photos

b.    Videos

c.     Work samples

d.    References

e.    Testimonials

f.     Curriculum Vitae (CV)

5.   Will I sit for an examination?

Yes. Beneficiaries undergo a summative assessment that includes practical evaluation and, where applicable, a theory component.

6.    What is the value of an RPL certificate?

An RPL certificate formally recognizes existing skills, improving employability, career progression, and access to better economic opportunities.

7.    Can a beneficiary fail the assessment?

Yes. Beneficiaries must meet the required competency standards during assessment to qualify for certification.

1. Follow NYOTA Official Platforms on:

• Twitter/X: https://x.com/NYOTA_Kenya 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyota_kenya/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NYOTAProjectKenya/ 
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NYOTAKenya 
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nyota_kenya 
• NYOTA Website: www.nyotaproject.go.ke

2.    Who can I contact for more information?

a)    NYOTA Project

·       Toll-Free line: 0800 222 221 or Email: info@nyotaproject.go.ke

b)   National Government – Youth Development Offices at the Counties and Sub Counties

c)    National Industrial Training Authority Offices at the Counties

d)   Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (Business Support Intervention)

·       Phone: 0700 666 000 or visit the County field offices: https://msea.go.ke/msea-county-offices/

e)    National Social Security Fund Offices Countrywide

·       Toll-Free line: 0800 221 2744 or visit https://www.nssf.or.ke/haba-haba-na-nssf