President Ruto challenges youth to take advantage of NYOTA funds, tells off critics

President William Ruto has challenged young people to make use of various government empowerment funds to initiate meaningful projects that improve their lives.

Saying youth empowerment remains key to economic growth, the President pointed out that his administration has initiated several programmes, including the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA), to help young entrepreneurs start or expand their businesses.

Speaking at Gusii Stadium, Kisii town, when he presided over the disbursement of the NYOTA Business Start-Up Capital for young entrepreneurs from Kisii, Nyamira and Migori counties on Thursday, he said investing in skills training, education, and entrepreneurship reduces unemployment.

"Young people who are yet to benefit from this programme should apply for other components because we want to help as many people as possible through NYOTA, which is part of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda that we promised Kenyans," President Ruto explained.

A total of 8,820 young businesspeople from the three counties received Ksh.220.5 million of NYOTA Start-Up Capital.

In the first phase, each beneficiary will receive Ksh.25,000, out of which Ksh.22,000 was sent directly to their mobile money accounts, while Ksh.3,000 would be deposited into the Haba na Haba savings accounts at the National Social Security Fund.

The President noted that young people are a critical part of the national development agenda and the government has consistently rolled out various initiatives aimed at creating employment opportunities for them.

“Youth empowerment remains a priority area for the government because you are our country’s biggest resource. This is why we are implementing programmes in affordable housing, NYOTA, Kazi Majuu and the digital hubs to create jobs for young people," he said.

He said the government has decisively moved from words to action, translating promise into reality and giving practical expression to our commitment to empower the youth.

"Our approach goes beyond the provision of capital. We are creating sustainable and steady pathways to employment and entrepreneurship through targeted interventions in labour mobility, the digital and creative economy, and the Affordable Housing Programme," he pointed out.

The President was emphatic that the government would not stop until every Kenyan youth gets an opportunity to unlock, develop, and realise their full potential.

He also called upon the youth to refuse to be misused by politicians and thoroughly interrogate all those aspiring for elective office.

“Some naysayers have been criticising the NYOTA programme, yet they have no mission, agenda or alternative plan to transform the lives of our young people," President Ruto noted.

He went on: "We are going to shame them because the reality of our programmes is taking shape."

On development projects in Kisii County, President Ruto said Ksh.33 billion has been allocated for affordable housing, college and university student hostels and modern markets.

The President explained that 10,000 affordable housing units, 20 modern markets and hostels to accommodate 7,800 students are earmarked for the county.

He also announced that Ksh.7 billion will be used to build and improve roads in Kisii.

"As we promised, we are initiating development projects across the country in an effort to take inclusive transformation to all parts of Kenya," President Ruto pointed out.

Additionally, he explained that the expansion of Gusii Stadium, at a cost of Ksh.770 million, has been delayed because the Agricultural Society of Kenya offices are to be moved to pave way for the stadium.

"We will provide the funds for relocation of ASK offices. The expansion of the stadium should be completed before December this year," he said.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said young people have, for long, been misused by politicians as hecklers, goons and   bloggers to push their agenda.

He, however, explained that this will change as the government has rolled out initiatives that enable young people to engage in meaningful work.

 “Our youths should now take advantage of the NYOTA programme, among other initiatives, and reject those who want to use them as agents of chaos and division,” Prof Kindiki said.

Kisii Governor Simba Arati pointed out that ODM will continue to work with UDA, saying the Orange party picked a good team to work in the broad-based government.

He told off critics of the broad-based government, noting that they have no alternative agenda like NYOTA for the country.

"I am the second in command, the deputy party leader in ODM. Let it be clear that we are going to work with President William Ruto in the broad-based government. Those making noise  in Nairobi can continue," Governor Arati said.

Cabinet Secretaries Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and MSMES), Salim Mvurya (Sports and Youth Affairs), and Migosi Ogamba (Education), National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed, and many MPs attended the function.

Later, the President laid a foundation stone for Nyambera Modern Market in Kisii town.