Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs has announced that the validation exercise for Kenyans shortlisted for the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Fund will officially begin on Friday, October 24, 2025.
Speaking on Tuesday, October 21, Jacobs stated that the exercise will take place at the constituency level, where shortlisted applicants will be required to attend sessions in their respective sub-counties.
“All pre-selected applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with their respective venues and prepare to participate in this important stage of the programme,” said the PS.
He further directed all shortlisted individuals to appear in person at their designated venues with their original national identification cards and a copy of their pre-selection message.
Jacobs also urged applicants who are yet to receive their pre-selection messages to remain patient, noting that the shortlisting process is still ongoing and notifications will be sent out progressively.
The announcement follows President William Ruto’s Mashujaa Day directive on October 20 in Kitui, where he instructed government agencies to fast-track the validation process for the NYOTA beneficiaries.
President Ruto revealed that the disbursement of the NYOTA funds will commence on November 4, marking a major milestone in his administration’s efforts to empower Kenyan youth economically.
The NYOTA Fund, a five-year government initiative supported by the World Bank, seeks to address youth unemployment, income insecurity, and low savings among young Kenyans.
According to Ruto, Ksh20 billion has been allocated to support various youth-led initiatives, targeting 800,000 beneficiaries across different sectors under the NYOTA programme.
“We have Ksh20 billion from the World Bank to give to our youth. We will be targeting 800,000 youths who will receive funding under different categories of the NYOTA project,” said the President.
The validation exercise marks a critical step before the rollout of the fund next month, which is expected to transform the livelihoods of thousands of young Kenyans nationwide.
