Are you a young Kenyan with a dream to start or grow your business? Are you seeking the opportunity to gain skills, access mentorship, and receive the necessary support to launch your entrepreneurial journey?
The Government of Kenya, through a strategic collaboration involving the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the State Department for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy, and the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), is pleased to announce the official Call for Applications for the NYOTA Project – Cycle 1 (2025).
The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project is a transformative government-led initiative designed to provide young people with opportunities for self-reliance, skills development, business support, and sustainable income generation. NYOTA represents a commitment to youth empowerment, especially among vulnerable and underserved segments of the population.
This countrywide call targets young Kenyans interested in receiving business support, including training, mentorship, apprenticeship placements, and business grants, with the goal of fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and self-sufficiency.
About the NYOTA Project
The NYOTA Project seeks to:
- Increase employment opportunities for youth.
- Promote entrepreneurship and provide business development support.
- Offer skilling and apprenticeship programs.
- Instill a culture of saving and financial literacy among youth.
- Provide inclusive access for youth living with disabilities and those from marginalized communities.
Through this initiative, the government aims to reduce youth unemployment and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, artisans, and skilled workers across the country.
Who Can Apply?
The NYOTA Project is specifically designed for young Kenyans who have not progressed beyond secondary school education (Form 4 level) and are eager to improve their lives through entrepreneurship and skill acquisition.
To qualify for Cycle 1 (2025), you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a Kenyan citizen.
- Be aged between 18 and 29 years.
- For youth living with disabilities, the age limit is extended to 35 years.
- Must not have progressed beyond Form 4 (KCSE level) in terms of academic qualifications.
- Possess a valid Kenyan National Identity Card (ID).
- Own a SIM card that is registered in your name and linked to your National ID.
Please Note:
Beneficiaries of the Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project (KYEOP) are not eligible to apply for the NYOTA Project.
What Does NYOTA Offer?
Successful applicants will gain access to a wide range of support and benefits designed to ensure their success in the business and employment landscape:
1. Business Development Support
- Business ideation and planning training.
- Access to seed capital or business start-up kits (depending on assessment).
- Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and professionals.
2. Technical and Life Skills Training
- Practical training in business management, marketing, bookkeeping, and customer service.
- Coaching on leadership, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.
3. Apprenticeship and Work Placement
- Connection to real-world opportunities through industry apprenticeships.
- Placement with small and medium-sized enterprises to gain hands-on experience.
4. Financial Literacy and Savings Culture
- Guidance on personal finance, budgeting, and savings.
- Encouragement to join savings and credit cooperatives (SACCOs) or youth saving groups.
Why You Should Apply
The NYOTA Project is more than just a training program—it’s a launchpad for youth looking to build a sustainable livelihood through entrepreneurship or employment. Whether you dream of owning a small retail shop, launching a tailoring business, opening a barbershop, or creating an innovative agribusiness, NYOTA can help you take that first bold step.
This initiative emphasizes inclusive growth, ensuring that even those with limited formal education or from marginalized backgrounds can realize their potential. It’s a unique chance to join a nationwide network of empowered youth committed to shaping Kenya’s economic future.
Application Process: How to Apply
All applications for the NYOTA Project must be submitted exclusively through a mobile USSD platform to ensure accessibility for all eligible youth across the country.
Step-by-Step Application Instructions:
- On your mobile phone, dial the USSD code
*254#. - From the options displayed, select the “NYOTA Project”.
- Follow the prompts and complete the application
- Ensure your details match those on your National ID and SIM registration records.
Please make sure your phone line is registered under your correct national identification details before proceeding with the application.
Application Deadline
Deadline for submission is: 30th April 2025 (11:59 PM)
Late applications will not be accepted, so we encourage all interested applicants to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
Important Notes
- The application process is free of charge. Be cautious of fraudsters claiming to represent the project and demanding payment. The Government of Kenya does not charge for NYOTA Project applications.
- Ensure all information provided is accurate and truthful. False information may lead to disqualification.
- Selection will be done based on eligibility and capacity assessments to ensure the most deserving and motivated youth are supported.
Support and Inquiries
For any additional information, clarification, or technical support during the application process, please contact the NYOTA Project support team through the following channels:
Website: www.nyotaproject.go.ke
Call: 0800 222 221
Support available in English, Kiswahili, and select local languages.
The NYOTA Project is an unprecedented opportunity to change your life for the better. If you’re a young Kenyan looking for support to start or grow your business, build practical skills, or gain apprenticeship experience, don’t miss this chance.
This is your moment to rise, innovate, and lead—your time to shine under the NYOTA Project.
Apply now. *Dial 254# and select the NYOTA Project.
Deadline: 30th April 2025
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