President Ruto Launches NYOTA Project to Boost Youth Enterprise And Education
He said the financing aims to enable young people to translate their skills and ideas into viable income-generating ventures.
President William Ruto during the Nyota Business Start-Up Capital disbursement for Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia and Turkana counties at the Eldoret Sports Club. Photo/Courtesy
By Rahab Gati
President William Samoei Ruto braved the Sports Club grounds yesterday to proclaim the official launch of the Nyota Project. The project comprises a sweeping youth and education empowerment initiative which seeks to transform the lives and development of young Kenyans and build human capital in the country. The event attracted a huge crowd of young people, parents, teachers, and local leaders, thus, reflecting the expectation that has been created by the initiative and the promises it has for the future.
In addressing the gathering, President Ruto really emphasized the investment directly into human beings, especially in education and skills. He proclaimed that the KSh 44 billion had already been released by the government to schools as capitation funds; not with the intention of restricting learning, but rather to facilitate its continuity and relieve parents of financial pressure. The President underscored that education remains the most important instrument through which equality and social mobility can be promoted.
He reassured families that the funds sent to schools are grants, not loans, and will not require repayment. “This money is a grant from parents to you, our children. It is not a loan, and there is no repayment,” he said, drawing applause from the crowd. The announcement was welcomed by parents who have struggled to keep their children in school amid rising living costs.
Beyond education, Nyota has an economic empowerment component for youthful people. President Ruto revealed that KSh 5 billion has been earmarked for funding small and micro-enterprises, earmarking youth-led projects. He said the financing aims to enable young people to translate their skills and ideas into viable income-generating ventures.
To further supplement youth development, the President mentioned that; thus, plans are underway to enable 20,000 youth to be sponsored for certification in Early Learning to reinforce early childhood education alongside creating professional opportunities for the youth. Also, 90,000 youths are set to benefit from a paid attachment programme within their local communities. Participants will receive a monthly stipend of KShs 6,000 for six months, alongside structured mentorship from certified master trainers who will be compensated and awarded certificates.
More than 600,000 youths aged between 19 and 21 years will be receiving support from the Head of State in terms of practical skills training to enable them to start businesses and actively participate in the economy in partnership with the government. He emphasized the empowerment focus of the initiative rather than handouts, nurturing producers and not job seekers.
President Ruto reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Affordable Housing Programme, which he described as a two-fold solution that offers decent housing while creating employment opportunities for thousands of Kenyans.
At the time of closing the whole exercise, Sports Club grounds were filled with sunshine since most attendees saw the Nyota Project as a clear message on the resolve of government in investing in a strong future of Kenyans by placing youth as the vehicle through which this transformation will be achieved in the longer term.
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