Thousands of Youth Brave Heavy Rains for NYOTA Validation in Kiambu County

 

Thousands of young people from across Kiambu County defied heavy rains to take part in the ongoing physical validation exercise for the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) program. The validation, which is being conducted across all 12 constituencies of Kiambu, saw long queues of determined youth eager to confirm their eligibility for the government-backed business empowerment initiative.

The nationwide exercise, announced by the Government of Kenya, is taking place concurrently in all 290 constituencies and forms a key stage in identifying youth beneficiaries for the NYOTA program.

In Kiambu, the process was overseen by MSEA Board Director James Kaburu, with support from elected leaders, National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), and the NYOTA Implementation Team. The effort reflected a Whole-of-Government approach, bringing together multiple state departments and agencies working in synergy to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Participants also undertook the Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test (EAT) on-site — a mandatory step designed to assess entrepreneurial readiness and innovation potential.

According to officials, once the validation exercise concludes, data will be cleaned and verified before the final list of successful applicants is released. The selected youth will then undergo training and mentorship sessions before receiving start-up grants of KES 50,000 each to launch or expand their small enterprises.

The NYOTA program, spearheaded by the State Department for MSMEs Development, State Department for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy, and other partners including the National Employment Authority (NEA), National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), NSSF Kenya, and World Bank Kenya, aims to equip young Kenyans with the skills, resources, and support to drive inclusive economic growth.

Leaders present lauded the high turnout and resilience of the youth despite adverse weather conditions, terming it a strong signal of the generation’s determination to shape their own economic future.

“Kiambu’s youth have shown great enthusiasm and commitment. Their energy and optimism affirm that the future of enterprise in Kenya is bright,” said Hon. Susan Mang’eni, Principal Secretary for the State Department for MSMEs Development.

The validation exercise continues across the country this week as the government accelerates efforts to empower youth, create sustainable jobs, and boost micro and small enterprise growth.