President William Ruto has announced a significant initiative aimed at empowering the nation’s youth through the National Youth Opportunities and Transformation Agenda (NYOTA). This landmark program is designed to uplift a substantial number of young people, targeting 820,000 beneficiaries across the country.

During his State of the Nation Address, President Ruto outlined the various avenues through which these opportunities will be delivered. The NYOTA agenda adopts a multi-pronged approach to job creation and skill development, ensuring a comprehensive framework for youth empowerment. One of its key components is apprenticeships, which will offer practical, hands-on experience in various industries, thereby bridging the gap between education and employment.

The initiative also recognizes the importance of existing skills and experience through the recognition of prior learning, enabling individuals who have acquired skills outside formal education to gain official certification and enhance their employability. Entrepreneurship grants form another central pillar of the program, encouraging young people to build their own businesses and contribute to national economic growth.

In an era shaped by rapid technological advancements, digital skills training is a crucial element of the NYOTA program, equipping youth with competencies essential for the modern workforce. Additionally, the program includes supported savings mechanisms to foster financial literacy and long-term economic stability among young participants.

This announcement underscores the government’s strong commitment to tackling youth unemployment and nurturing a generation of skilled, financially aware, and self-reliant citizens.