Ruto Unveils Sh5 Billion Youth Empowerment Drive Under NYOTA Programme to Boost Jobs and Skills in Kenya
- Afri Careers
- Oct 8
- 2 min read
President William Ruto has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment in Kenya through entrepreneurship, education, and skills development. Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during the launch of former minister Marsden Madoka’s memoir, At the Ready, President Ruto emphasized that his government is determined to create sustainable jobs and innovation pathways for young people nationwide.
The President announced the rollout of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme — a flagship Ruto youth empowerment initiative that aims to transform the lives of over 100,000 young Kenyans.
Under this Sh5 billion youth empowerment drive, each ward will benefit 70 youth, each receiving Sh50,000 in start-up grants to launch or expand small businesses. The funds, co-financed by the Government of Kenya and the World Bank, will be disbursed by the end of the month.
“As we have this ceremony, we are trying to resolve issues of the young people. I want to ask MPs, MCAs, and NGAO officers to mainstream young people for participation and rally their talents in growing our country,” Ruto said.
Beyond entrepreneurship, the Ruto youth empowerment programme will also address skills development. The NYOTA project will enroll 90,000 unskilled youth in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, where the government will cover their stipends.
Additionally, 20,000–30,000 young people will benefit from the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) initiative — a certification process for existing skills, especially in the affordable housing sector.
President Ruto further revealed plans to link up to 700,000 youth with Sh200 billion worth of public procurement opportunities reserved for young people, women, and persons with disabilities.
“Young people are not taking part because of the roadblocks. We want to prepare them and remove the barriers so that they can meaningfully participate in government procurement,” Ruto explained.
The Ruto youth empowerment agenda is built on four key pillars designed to reach over one million youth across Kenya:
Entrepreneurship – Start-up grants and business development support.
Skills Development – Expansion of TVET and technical training access.
Labour Mobility – Facilitating youth participation in emerging markets.
Digital Innovation – Leveraging the digital economy to create jobs and expand opportunities.
Ruto underscored the need for urgency, acknowledging the determination of Kenya’s youth:
“The limits are being pushed by our young people because of their restlessness and impatience. They are not wrong. We need to up our game. They are looking for opportunities to work, do business, and grow,” he said.
President Ruto tied the youth empowerment vision to the legacy of Marsden Madoka, whose memoir reflects service and leadership.
“As we celebrate this remarkable man, let’s take to heart the spirit of his title At the Ready. Let each one of us be ready to serve, lead, and build a better Kenya for all,” Ruto concluded.
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