Synchronised NYOTA rollout demonstrates government's commitment to inclusive growth -CS Duale

Health CS Aden Duale Speaking in Garissa when he  presided over the Garissa County Phase II disbursement of the NYOTA Programme at the Garissa Regional Commissioner's Residence. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Health CS Aden Duale has reaffirmed the Government's commitment to ensuring equitable development across the country.

Speaking in Garissa after presiding over the Garissa County Phase II disbursement of the NYOTA Programme at the Garissa Regional Commissioner's Residence, Duale said the simultaneous nationwide rollout of Phase II of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Programme reflects the Kenya Kwanza administration's resolve to leave no region behind.

The synchronized county-level rollout, was conducted concurrently with the national launch officiated by  President William Ruto at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang'ata, Nairobi.

Duale said the actions demonstrate the Government's unwavering commitment to inclusive economic empowerment under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

"The synchronized rollout of the NYOTA Programme across all counties demonstrates the Government's firm commitment to ensuring that every part of our country benefits equitably from the opportunities being created under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. No region will be left behind as we build a stronger, more inclusive and prosperous Kenya," said Duale.

Duale emphasized that the programme is transforming lives by placing young people at the centre of the country's development agenda while reaffirming the importance of historically marginalized regions in Kenya's socio-economic transformation.

"The NYOTA Programme reaffirms that historically marginalized regions are central to Kenya's development journey. They are taking their rightful place in our nation's socio-economic transformation, and the Government will continue investing in their people and potential," he said.

In Garissa County, Phase I of the programme benefited 2,205 young entrepreneurs who received business grants amounting to Sh55.125 million.

During the Phase II rollout, an additional Sh135.135 million was disbursed to 5,405 beneficiaries, including 3,333 continuing entrepreneurs receiving their second tranche of support and 2,072 new beneficiaries embarking on their entrepreneurial journey.

Duale noted that the significant increase in funding and the growing number of beneficiaries demonstrate the programme's success and the Government's confidence in youth-led enterprises as catalysts for economic growth and job creation.

Nationally, the NYOTA Programme is scaling up following the successful implementation of Phase I, which supported 121,800 youth entrepreneurs across all 47 counties.

The initiative now aims to reach more than 820,000 vulnerable and marginalized young people in all 1,450 wards across the country. Under the current phase of implementation, more than 122,000 entrepreneurs are benefiting from business support worth over Sh3.05 billion.

In the North Eastern Region, 7,560 youth from Garissa, Wajir and Mandera counties are benefiting from the programme, highlighting the Government's determination to unlock the immense potential of young people in every corner of the country through inclusive economic empowerment.

Beyond financial support, the NYOTA Programme offers comprehensive entrepreneurship training, mentorship, business development skills, market access and access to government procurement opportunities.

It also creates pathways to employment through skills training, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and workplace experience, equipping young people with the knowledge and practical skills needed to build sustainable livelihoods.

Duale said the testimonies shared by beneficiaries during the event clearly demonstrate the programme's impact, with many reporting expanded businesses, increased incomes, new employment opportunities and improved livelihoods.

"The success stories we have witnessed today are clear evidence that this programme is working. Businesses are expanding, jobs are being created and livelihoods are improving. Investing in our young people is investing in Kenya's future, and we will continue to support them as they build enterprises that will drive our nation's economic transformation," he said.

He reiterated the Government's commitment to empowering youth through targeted investments that promote entrepreneurship, innovation and self-reliance, noting that the NYOTA Programme remains a key pillar in advancing inclusive economic growth and shared prosperity across the country.