NAIROBI – The Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) has raised concern over the growing rate of joblessness in the country, reporting that about 67% of young people aged 15 to 34 remain unemployed. The alarming trend continues to strain families and the national economy, prompting calls for urgent and sustainable solutions.
In response, the Government of Kenya has rolled out NYOTA (National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement), a countrywide initiative designed to empower young people with entrepreneurial skills and financial support to launch their own businesses.
Under the program, at least 70 young people in every ward across the country have been selected to undergo practical business training. The curriculum focuses on enterprise planning, saving culture, financial discipline, record keeping, and compliance with government requirements. Upon completion, each trainee will receive startup capital to kick-start their chosen enterprises.
For many beneficiaries, NYOTA is already proving transformative.
“I have learned that discipline is what keeps a business growing every single day,” said Kiambi Kelvin, one of the trainees. “With the support I will receive after this training, I feel ready to enter the business world confidently.”
Another participant, Glory Kendi from Igoji West, said the program has provided both business skills and insights into government systems.
“Apart from learning how to save, I now know how to comply with government rules like filing KRA returns,” she noted. “This training has also allowed me to meet and learn from other young people.”
Entrepreneurship trainer Julius Mwiti praised the initiative as a timely intervention, saying it could shift young people from job seekers to job creators.
“Training youth who want to venture into business is a game changer,” he said. “If they are equipped with the right knowledge and capital, they can create jobs instead of waiting for them.”
With thousands expected to graduate from the program in the coming months, the government hopes the NYOTA initiative will generate at least 70 new employers per ward, stimulating local economies and easing the youth unemployment crisis across Kenya.
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