The Mountain Journal
The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement Programme (NYOTA) has transformed many of the households after the majority of the youth were assisted to venture into businesses, which has assisted them to support their families.
In a function at General Ihura stadium, attended by Cabinet Secretaries Alice Wahome( Lands), Lee Kinyanjui (Trade) backed by five PS’s led by Elijah Mwangi (Youth and Sports) 7,055 youths from the counties of Nyeri, Kirinyaga,and Murang’a got Sh 176.3 million for the second phase that included new beneficiaries of 1,895 youths.
In Murang’a 2,988 youth got Sh 74.7 million, Nyeri 2,239 youths (Sh 55.9 million), Kirinyaga’s 1828 youths (Sh45.7 million) that would be used to facilitate their businesses and job creation.
A total of Sh 74.7 million was allocated for Murang’a under the second disbursement exercise.
Youth from Kirinyaga has 1,267 continuing beneficiaries will receive their second tranche, while 562 new beneficiaries will receive their first disbursement totalling to Sh 45.7 million.
The Lands Cabinet Secretary challenged the youths to shun anti-social vices that include alcoholism and drug abuse, hooliganisms and participating in illegal demonstrations, but remain focused on job creation.
“ For the growth of the nation, the youths are duty bound to be respectful and remain keen in creation of opportunities, and avoid being swayed to anti-social activities,” said Wahome.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru pledged that each of the beneficiaries would get a Sh 10,000 top up from the county government to boost their business ventures.
The Trade CS Mr Kinyanjui urged the governors to help the young people by waving the levies so as to help promote them grow their businesses.
Nationally, the programme will benefit 122,203 youth, with the Government set to disburse KSh 3.05 billion. Each beneficiary will receive KSh 25,000, including KSh 3,000 earmarked for savings.
The NYOTA programme targets young people aged 18 to 29 years (up to 35 years for persons with disabilities) and seeks to promote self-employment through business training, mentorship, startup capital and market access.