NYOTA Project Spot Checks Highlight Transformative Journeys of Beneficiaries
Youth beneficiaries highlight transformative impact
The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project is steadily transforming lives across the country, empowering beneficiaries to grow, adapt and become the best versions of themselves.
NYOTA Project’s flagship component, the On-the-Job Experience (OJE), is currently conducting 20-days Socio-Emotional Skills Development (SESD) trainings for Lot 3; Kwale, Taita Taveta, Machakos, Makueni and Kitui and Lot 4; Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga and Murang’a counties.
The communication team from the Project Management Unit (PMU) conducted a documentation exercise as well as spot-checks across the 12 counties from 13th April to 16th April to support ongoing programme implementation through documentation, stakeholder engagement, visibility enhancement, and collection of beneficiary stories as well as impact data.
The exercise captured beneficiary testimonials, highlighting their sense of recognition and the profound impact of the soft skills they have acquired.
Importantly, the beneficiaries shared their personal reflections, citing that the training has strengthened their confidence, communication and adaptability in both social and professional settings.
Janet Munyiva, a beneficiary from Kitui County, shares a powerful account of her personal growth through the programme, recalling that, prior to joining the training, she struggled with intense shyness and found it difficult to stand before a group and express herself, an obstacle that cost her several job opportunities.
Since the start of the SESD training, Janet has undergone a remarkable transformation and built confidence to actively engage with her peers and articulate her thoughts clearly. This impact is further reflected in her leadership within the Kikao where she has taken over the role of a spiritual leader.
Consequently, Prestone Njoroge, a boda boda rider from Embu County says the SESD training has shaped his life positively as he got into the business by circumstance due to lack of funds to continue his college education.
“Kazi ya boda boda nilianza 2016 baada ya kumaliza shule. Wakati nilimaliza form four, mzazi alikosa pesa za kunipeleka college ama kufanya course yoyote. Mimi nikaingia kwa boda boda… wakati mwingine nafanya mjengo ili tu niskume Maisha,” he narrates.
The uncertainty of income and increased needs made him to pursue other means of gaining skills and knowledge, and that’s where he stumbled upon the NYOTA Project on social media.
Without wasting time, he took the opportunity and now on his third week of training, he says the impact is already evident as he is able to communicate better with customers and has developed discipline for his savings.
John Mutie Mutinda from Machakos County says he feels seen through the Project, terming it a game-changer, calling on other youth to take advantage of the components offered.
Mr Mutinda narrates that he learnt about the project through a friend, and although he thought it was a scam, he decided to apply. Prior to that, John was just at home following an accident that left him with physical mobility impairment. He therefore, credits OJE-SESD training for a change of mindset noting that the impact of training is also evident in his personal life and how he relates with his family and colleagues.
“I know how to control my emotions. I know how to communicate with people and I am glad the project is not discriminative of PWDs.” Mr Mutinda said.
Fransisca Wanja, a beneficiary from Makueni County with hearing impairment says she has learnt about leadership, decision making and calls on the youth to advantage of the Project components to nourish their skills.
Notably, Ms Wanja lauds the Project’s inclusivity by providing a Sign Language Interpreter (SLI) who makes sure she grasps everything inside and outside the classroom.
“I learnt about decision making, leadership, emotional regulation and online business marketing. My interpreter has made things easy during the training and I can freely interact with my trainers and colleagues,” Ms Wanja said.
The beneficiaries have ideally participated in different Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, including tree planting and cleaning the nearby markets.
In Taita Taveta County, Mwagafwa Vocational Training Centre, the beneficiaries participated in a high-impact Civic Education session facilitated by Erick Gicovi, a representative from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).
The engagement provided a structured platform for youth to deepen their understanding of drug and substance abuse, with a strong emphasis on prevention, early intervention, and the long-term socio-economic consequences of addiction.
Importantly, the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and National Social Security Fund (NSSF) also engaged the beneficiaries on the employment and savings aspects, respectively.
The National Social Security Fund (NSSF), together with the World Bank under the NYOTA Project, is helping young people save, plan for the future, and improve financial security. Through the NSSF Haba Haba savings wallet, you can start building good money habits, get incentives, and even access special benefits like maternity support for female participants. All NYOTA Project beneficiaries are automatically enrolled in the NSSF Haba Haba savings scheme
Looking Ahead
Lot 8, comprising Nairobi, Kajiado, and Kiambu Counties and targeting 10,910 youth, is scheduled to commence on 4th May 2026. Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions are currently underway to equip facilitators with the requisite capacity for effective curriculum delivery and the provision of socio-emotional support to vulnerable youth.
Upon completion of the 20-day Socio-Emotional Skills Development (SESD) training, beneficiaries will 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 implementation schedule for the remaining lots will be communicated in due course.
