The government is set to roll out the NYOTA Project, a youth empowerment initiative designed to provide vulnerable young Kenyans with paid on-the-job experience in key sectors of the economy.
The program, which will be launched later this month, targets unemployed youth between the ages of 18 and 29, as well as persons with disabilities up to 35 years old. Unlike other internship programs that mainly consider graduates, NYOTA focuses on secondary school finalists and those with lower academic qualifications groups often sidelined by employers due to lack of professional training.
Through the initiative, the government plans to place 90,000 youth in various institutions across the country for periods ranging between three and six months. Each beneficiary will receive a monthly stipend of Ksh 6,000, enabling them to gain practical experience while earning a modest income.
A unique feature of the NYOTA Project is its provision for international job placements. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Creative Economy has announced that 600 young people will secure opportunities abroad. To support their transition, the government will provide up to Ksh 300,000 per youth to help them settle into overseas roles.
Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs described the project as a “strategic milestone in harnessing the potential of Kenya’s youth.” He emphasized that the fully digital application process accessible by dialing *254# removes bureaucratic hurdles and ensures equal access for young people across all regions of the country.
Since applications opened on 11th July 2025, over one million youth have already submitted entries, underscoring both the high demand for such opportunities and the pressing issue of unemployment among young people.
By bridging the gap between job seekers and employers, the NYOTA Project aims not only to equip participants with valuable skills but also to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. The government hopes the initiative will help the youth secure decent work, reduce unemployment, and contribute to Kenya’s economic growth.
With Kenya’s youth population projected to reach 22.3 million by 2030, the NYOTA Project represents a bold step towards tackling one of the country’s most urgent socio-economic challenges.
