By Afrireport 
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced plans to significantly scale up the NYOTA programme, saying the government is targeting to reach at least two million young people across the country as part of its broader youth empowerment agenda.
Speaking during a public engagement on government programmes, Kindiki said the expansion of NYOTA is aimed at addressing unemployment among the youth by supporting skills development, enterprise growth and access to affordable financing.
He noted that young people remain central to Kenya’s economic future and must be deliberately included in national development efforts.
The Deputy President explained that the programme, which is supported through partnerships with development agencies including the World Bank, is designed to equip youths with practical skills while also providing seed capital for viable business ideas.
According to Kindiki, the government is reviewing the current structure of NYOTA to ensure it can sustainably accommodate the increased number of beneficiaries without compromising accountability.
As a government, we are committed to creating opportunities for young people, not just through promises but through structured programmes that can change lives,” Kindiki said. He added that the proposed expansion would be rolled out in phases, with priority given to regions that have recorded high levels of youth unemployment.
Also Read
- Six Witnesses, One Verdict: Museveni Prepares for Legal Fight Over Poll Win
- "State House Is Not a Party Office,” Salasya Fires Warning
- Ruto Announces Tax Cut for Earnners Below Ksh50,000
- Government Plans to Tap NSSF Pension Reserves for High Return Projects
- Ruto to Meet Over 12,000 Aspirants in Early Signal of 2027 Battle
Kindiki acknowledged that the programme has faced scrutiny in recent months, particularly around its implementation and oversight.
He said lessons learned from the initial phase would inform reforms aimed at improving transparency, efficiency and equitable distribution of resources.
The government, he added, is also strengthening monitoring mechanisms to ensure funds are used strictly for their intended purposes.
Under the expanded plan, beneficiaries will have access to vocational training, mentorship and business development support, alongside financial assistance tailored to different sectors such as agribusiness, the digital economy and small scale manufacturing.
The Deputy President said county governments and local institutions would play a key role in identifying eligible youths and supporting programme implementation at the grassroots.
He further called on young people to take advantage of government initiatives while also remaining innovative and disciplined in pursuing economic opportunities.
“Programmes like NYOTA can only succeed if beneficiaries are committed to using the support responsibly and productively,” Kindiki said.
The announcement comes amid growing public debate on youth-focused programmes and their impact, with calls for greater openness and measurable outcomes.
Analysts say expanding NYOTA to reach two million youths could have a significant impact if accompanied by strong governance and consistent funding.
As the government moves forward with the expansion, attention will be on how effectively the programme translates policy intentions into tangible economic gains for Kenya’s youth population.
