Youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Kenya today. While the government has made strides in creating policies aimed at economic empowerment, a significant gap still exists in equipping the youth—particularly those from underserved backgrounds—with the tools, skills, and resources they need to secure dignified livelihoods.
In response to this critical need, the Government of Kenya has launched the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, a comprehensive initiative designed to bridge the gap between ambition and access for the country’s youth. The NYOTA Project is implemented under the leadership of the State Department for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy, in partnership with the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA).
This initiative is a cornerstone of the government’s efforts to reduce youth unemployment, promote self-employment, and provide structured, skills-based training and business support to Kenya’s most promising young minds. The call for applications for Cycle 1 of the NYOTA Project (2025) is now open. This application round is nationwide and targets youth who are interested in receiving business support and entrepreneurship development training.
About the NYOTA Project
The NYOTA Project is not merely a training program—it is a national movement that aims to empower thousands of young people across all 47 counties. The project focuses on providing opportunities for young people who may have limited access to formal employment or who have not had the chance to pursue higher education.
The core objectives of the NYOTA Project are to:
- Increase access to employment and self-employment for youth through skills training and entrepreneurship.
- Provide business mentorship, start-up support, and market access for youth-owned micro and small enterprises.
- Facilitate practical apprenticeship placements with industry partners.
- Build a strong culture of savings and financial discipline among young people.
- Enhance financial inclusion and access to resources for disadvantaged youth.
NYOTA is intentionally inclusive and gives special attention to youth living with disabilities, young women, and those from marginalized or low-income backgrounds. The program operates through a well-coordinated structure involving public institutions, training providers, industry stakeholders, and financial service providers to ensure that all beneficiaries are supported throughout their entrepreneurship journey.
Call for Applications: Cycle 1 Now Open
The first cycle of the NYOTA Project for the year 2025 is now open to eligible youth across the country. This cycle is focused on business support, which includes training in entrepreneurship, financial management, business planning, and access to potential funding.
Successful applicants will undergo structured capacity-building programs, mentorship sessions, and receive support to start or grow their businesses. This call is open to youth who are not currently engaged in similar government programs such as KYEOP (Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project), ensuring that more young people can benefit from available public resources.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
To be considered for the NYOTA Project under Cycle 1, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship
- The applicant must be a Kenyan citizen with a valid National Identification Card (ID).
- Age Requirements
- The applicant must be between 18 and 29 years of age.
- For youth living with disabilities, the upper age limit is 35 years.
- Education Level
- Applicants must have completed secondary education and not progressed beyond Form 4. The project targets youth who have limited access to higher education and formal training.
- SIM Card Registration
- Applicants must have a SIM card that is registered in their name and linked to their National ID. This requirement ensures secure communication and access to mobile-based training and support tools.
- Exclusions
- Youth who are currently beneficiaries of KYEOP or similar government-funded youth support programs are not eligible to apply for NYOTA Cycle 1.
These eligibility requirements ensure that the project supports youth who need it most and avoids duplicating efforts for those who are already receiving similar government support.
What the NYOTA Project Offers
The NYOTA Project has been structured to provide a well-rounded and practical experience for youth who aspire to become self-reliant through entrepreneurship and skills development. The program offers the following components:
1. Entrepreneurship and Business Support
Successful applicants will receive training in:
- Business ideation and planning
- Market research and product development
- Financial management and budgeting
- Record keeping and bookkeeping
- Digital marketing and business communication
- Customer service and brand building
This component is designed to equip youth with the knowledge and practical tools needed to either launch new businesses or grow existing ones. Participants will also learn how to write business proposals and develop sustainable business models.
2. Start-Up Support and Seed Capital
While the project does not guarantee funding to all participants, it will support select high-potential businesses through:
- Business starter kits
- Seed capital grants (subject to evaluation)
- Linkages to micro-financing institutions, SACCOs, and youth funds
Support will be based on business readiness, participation in training, and demonstrated commitment to the project goals.
3. Mentorship and Coaching
Participants will be paired with experienced mentors from various sectors who will guide them through the start-up phase. Mentors will provide personalized advice on business growth, risk management, compliance, and operations.
Mentorship sessions will be conducted both in person and virtually, depending on the location and accessibility of the participants.
4. Apprenticeship Opportunities
NYOTA also aims to provide hands-on experience through:
- Short-term industry apprenticeships
- Internship placements with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Skill-based training in areas such as carpentry, tailoring, mechanics, farming, and other technical fields
Apprenticeships are intended to enhance participants’ employability and give them real-world exposure to the demands of business operations.
5. Financial Literacy and Savings Culture
One of the unique aspects of NYOTA is its emphasis on promoting financial literacy and encouraging a savings mindset. Participants will receive training on:
- Budgeting and personal finance
- Understanding credit and loan management
- Savings group formation and management
- How to work with banks and microfinance institutions
Participants will be encouraged to join community savings groups (chamas), table banking groups, or SACCOs to help them build a culture of disciplined saving and investment.
How to Apply
The application process for the NYOTA Project has been simplified to ensure inclusivity and accessibility across all regions of the country.
Click here to Apply
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by 30th April 2025. Submissions after this date will not be considered.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues or network delays.
Why You Should Apply
Kenya is undergoing a rapid transformation driven by innovation, youth creativity, and entrepreneurship. However, the journey to self-reliance often requires mentorship, funding, and structured support—resources that are not always accessible to the average youth. The NYOTA Project has been designed to bridge this gap and offer young people the opportunity to:
- Learn valuable business and life skills
- Start or expand a sustainable enterprise
- Build networks with fellow entrepreneurs and mentors
- Increase income and financial stability
- Gain a sense of purpose and national contribution
Moreover, the project goes beyond business. It equips youth with a mindset of resilience, self-worth, and accountability. It encourages them to become agents of change in their families and communities.
Safeguards and Accountability
To ensure transparency and accountability, the NYOTA Project operates under strict monitoring and evaluation standards. All participants are tracked through a national digital system and supported by county coordinators who assist with implementation at the grassroots level.
Any reports of misconduct, bribery, or misrepresentation during the application or implementation phase will be taken seriously. Applicants are advised to report any suspicious activities to the NYOTA helpline or through the project website.
The NYOTA Project represents a bold and inclusive step toward empowering Kenyan youth with the tools they need to create a better future. This initiative has the potential to transform lives, strengthen communities, and stimulate national economic growth through enterprise and innovation.
If you are a young Kenyan who meets the eligibility criteria, this is your opportunity to take charge of your future. Do not let limited education or lack of capital stop you from pursuing your dreams. Through NYOTA, you can gain the skills, confidence, and support to build something of your own and become a leader in your community.
