The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project is a landmark initiative by the Government of Kenya, funded by the World Bank, aimed at transforming the lives of vulnerable youth. Over five years, NYOTA will create employment opportunities, enhance income generation, and promote savings among young people.
Mission. To empower vulnerable Kenyan youth by providing them with the necessary skills, resources, and opportunities to thrive in the modern economy.
NYOTA reaches young people in all 47 counties. It aims to uplift 820,000 unemployed youth, place 90,000 into work or enterprise, certify 20,000 through Recognition of Prior Learning, and provide capital to 110,000 businesses.
The project is delivered by the State Department for Youth Affairs & Creative Economy, the State Department for MSME Development, the Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA), the National Employment Authority, the State Department for Labour and Skills Development, the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), with financing from the World Bank.
"Kuza, Imarisha, Endeleza Vijana!"
Young people build their future through the NYOTA interventions, and every path is backed by savings.
Twenty days of socio-emotional skills training, then five months of hands-on workplace training with a master craftsman or employer, ending in assessment and certification.
Entrepreneurship assessment, business development training and a business plan, followed by start-up capital, mentorship and coaching to start or grow an enterprise.
Existing skills are identified, documented and assessed, leading to a recognised qualification and better employment opportunities.
Participants are enrolled in the NSSF Haba Haba scheme, building savings for future security while they build their future.
In its endeavour to realise its vision and mission, the NYOTA Project upholds these core values.
A resilient and self-sufficient youth population.
To build a resilient and self-sufficient youth population that contributes meaningfully to Kenya's socio-economic development.
