NYOTA Project Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Empowerment at AEYA Forum
Youth at the centre of transformative Agenda
The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering youth across the 47 counties, by placing them at the centre of the country’s transformative development agenda.
Speaking during the launch of the partnership between the Africa-Europe Youth Academy (AEYA), Expertise France and The Youth Café, the NYOTA Project Manager, Mr Augustine Mayabi underscored the importance of inclusive youth development, terming it a cornerstone of the country’s economic growth.
Mr. Mayabi emphasized that the young people are not merely beneficiaries of the development programmes, but are a powerful driving force behind innovation, creativity and progress. He noted that the youth remain one of the nation’s greatest assets, possessing the energy, talent and potential needed to deliver meaningful and lasting impact across communities.
“The Youth Café position the youth at the center of development, provides an opportunity for direct interaction, sharing of their achievements, challenges, hopes and fears. Youth are not only an asset but an important source of creativity, energy and potential. As custodians of the future, they are expected to bring meaningful and impactful change in any nation,” he said.
Mr Mayabi ideally lauded AEYA, which aims to support the establishment of 30 youth Spaces across African countries thus strengthening young peoples’ access to spaces that enable them to fully express their leadership potential.
“Such initiative spurs growth, prosperity; strengthen democratic governance, as well as enhancing peace and security across Africa. I commend The Youth Café and the stakeholders involved, for being vibrant to push for this initiative which intend to empowers youth with skills in Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership and Public Management,” he noted.
The Project Manager further noted that the biggest challenge facing governments and policy makers in Africa today is how to provide opportunities to the bulging youth population, a challenge that is currently being addressed through the NYOTA Project, under the State Department of Youth Affairs and Creative Economy.
The NYOTA Project aims to empower vulnerable youth through sustainable creation of opportunities for employment, earnings and savings for young people thus echoing AEYA’s vision focused on fostering a united, vibrant Africa where young people drive solutions, nurture peace, promote equality, and lead the continent into prosperity.
About NYOTA Project
Financed by the World Bank, the NYOTA Project remains committed to empowering Kenya’s youth as a strategic investment in sustainable livelihoods and national development. It targets unemployed youth aged 18-29 years, and up to 35 years for Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs).
Implemented through a multi-agency, the project is coordinated by the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, with collaboration from the State Departments for Labour and Skills Development, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development, National Industrial Training Authority, National Employment Authority, Micro and Small Enterprises Authority, and National Social Security Fund.
NYOTA Project Interventions
On-the-Job Experience (OJE) provides structured apprenticeship opportunities designed to equip young people with practical technical competencies and essential workplace skills, thereby enhancing their employability and preparedness for sustainable livelihoods. The programme begins with an intensive 20-day Socio-Emotional Skills Development (SESD) training, during which beneficiaries are equipped with critical soft skills to help them effectively navigate workplace environments and social interactions.
Business Support offers seed capital of KShs. 50,000 to young entrepreneurs to start or expand small-scale enterprises. Additionally, the intervention provides business development services including mentorship and market linkages to beneficiaries.
Recognition of Prior Learning certifies informally acquired technical skills, especially among artisans, master craftsmen, and other youth in the informal sector, enhancing access to formal employment and career growth. The project targets 20,000 skilled youth to benefit from this intervention.
Looking Ahead
The OJE component has successfully completed SESD training across 29 counties in Lot 1, 2, 3, and 4 with Lot 8 counties having active sessions. The beneficiaries will then transition into a five-month apprenticeship placement under experienced master craftsmen to acquire practical, industry-relevant skills. At the end of the apprenticeship period, participants will undertake a competency-based assessment administered by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA). Successful candidates will be awarded nationally recognized certification, enhancing their employability and access to sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The Business support component has successfully disbursed the first tranche of business grants to young entrepreneurs across 47 counties. The training and mentorship sessions ahead of the second tranche distribution have ideally been completed and beneficiaries will be accredited with the funds in due course.
The Recognition of Prior Learning Component has ideally assessed the beneficiaries in their various crafts and an examination was administered by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA). The results are already out and will be posted on their website later in the month. Ideally, the results slips will be released before the certificates are issued later on.
Beneficiaries under Lot 1 counties (Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Homabay, Kisii and Nyamira) as well as Lot 2 counties (Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu and Migori) have been granted an opportunity to revise and update their preferred skill selections ahead of placement.
The revision exercise is aimed at ensuring that beneficiaries are aligned with skills and training pathways that best match their interests, abilities and career aspirations, ultimately enhancing their employability and long-term livelihood opportunities. The deadline for skill revision lapses on 13th May, 2026.
