NYOTA PROJECT *254# ON-THE-JOB EXPERIENCE (OJE) COMPONENT REOPENS NATIONWIDE
An opportunity for youth in all 47 counties to gain hands-on technical skills and certification
The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project has reopened applications for its On-the-Job Experience (OJE) component, inviting eligible youth across all 47 counties to apply for a structured pathway to skills development, certification, and sustainable employment.
The OJE component is designed to equip young people with relevant soft and technical skills through apprenticeship-based learning, enhancing their employability and capacity for self-reliance.
While addressing youth at Gusii Stadium, H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, EGH, President of the Republic of Kenya, urged young people to apply in large numbers, describing the intervention as a life-changing opportunity that every eligible youth should take advantage of.
The President emphasized that the initiative will empower young people to become economically independent, thereby contributing to the reduction of unemployment across the country.
“90,000 youth tutawalipia kufanya hiyo course, tutawapea stipend ya Ksh 6,000 kila mwezi na tuwalipie mtihani wapate cheti… (We shall support 90,000 young people with training, provide a monthly stipend of Ksh 6,000, and facilitate certification to position them competitively in the job market).”
The Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy, Mr. Fikirini Jacobs, encouraged young people who may have missed the initial application window to take advantage of the reopened two-week period and apply for the programme.
He reiterated the Project’s commitment to equity and inclusivity, noting that applications are free of charge and accessible through the USSD code *254#, just like all other NYOTA Project services.
“All eligible youth are encouraged to apply and seize this opportunity to acquire market-relevant skills, certification, and clear pathways to employment, in line with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA),” the PS stated.
OJE Induction Exercise
The OJE induction exercise commenced earlier this week and was conducted over two days—Monday, 26th January 2026 and Tuesday, 27th January 2026—bringing together beneficiaries from seven Lot One counties: Nakuru, Kericho, Bomet, Kisii, Nyamira, Homabay, and Narok.
During the induction, participants were guided through a structured process to identify their individual interests and align them with appropriate trades and craftsmanship opportunities. Several venues recorded low turnout, prompting the extension of the application period to allow more eligible youth to benefit from the programme.
Following induction, beneficiaries will undergo a one-month Socio-Emotional Skills Development (SESD), aimed at strengthening soft skills, business acumen, and digital competencies required in the workplace.
About the On-the-Job Experience (OJE)
The OJE component is a key intervention under the NYOTA Project, focusing on youth employability through apprenticeship and workplace-based learning, empowering youth across the 47 counties through structured workplace learning. The programme leverages master craftsmen and employers to ensure participants acquire practical, industry-relevant skills.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Youth aged 18–29 years (up to 35 years for Persons with Disabilities)
- Education level of Form Four and below
- Unemployed or in vulnerable form of employment
- Kenyan citizens residing in any of the 47 counties, including refugees in Garissa and Turkana
The OJE Roadmap
The OJE programme runs for six (6) months, structured as follows:
Application Period (Reopened): 29th January 2026 – 13th February 2026
Selection: Review of applications and identification of eligible youth
Induction (Day 1): Orientation on objectives, roles, and expectations
Socio-Emotional Skills Development (20 Days): Soft, business, and digital skills training
Placement: Matching with master craftsmen/employers during the second week of SESD
Apprenticeship (5 Months): Learning on the job
Stipend: Paid bi-weekly, subject to a minimum 80% session attendance
Certification: Assessment and certification upon successful completion
Employment Placement (6 Months): Transition into employment to further strengthen skills
Business Support
NYOTA Project Business Start-up Capital has successfully rolled out across several counties in the country. KSH. 220 million was disbursed at Gusii Stadium on Thursday, January 29, 2026, for the counties of Kisii, Nyamira and Migori.
On Monday, February 3rd, 2026, the final disbursement for phase three counties will cover the counties of Kisumu, Siaya and Homa Bay.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
NYOTA Project Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) has successfully conducted an awareness and screening exercise across 47 counties. Participating youth arrived promptly at the designated venue, where accredited assessors evaluated their respective trade skills and guided them on the subsequent steps in the certification process.
RPL targets over 63,000 applicants and aims to assess and certify 20,000 young artisans, strengthening their employability through nationally recognised certification and improved access to economic opportunities.
The NYOTA Project, through its partners and implementing agencies, remains committed to delivering youth empowerment interventions transparently, equitably and efficiently to maximize impact nationwide.
