PS Dokota leads NYOTA programme engagement in Tana River County
The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Cabinet Affairs, Dr. Idris Salim Dokota, PhD, CBS, joined the people of Tana River County at Tana River Primary School for a vibrant community engagement under the NYOTA Programme, a flagship initiative by the Government of Kenya in partnership with the World Bank. The programme is designed to transform the lives of young Kenyans through skills development, entrepreneurship support, employment creation, and financial inclusion.
The NYOTA Programme represents a bold step in actualising the government’s commitment to empower the youth as key drivers of Kenya’s social and economic transformation. By equipping them with the tools and resources needed to succeed in a competitive and evolving economy, the programme seeks to nurture innovation, build self-reliance, and unlock the potential of communities across all 47 counties.
During the engagement, Dr. Dokota interacted with youth groups, local leaders, teachers, and community representatives, taking time to listen to their experiences and aspirations. He emphasized the importance of continuous collaboration between government institutions, the private sector, and development partners in ensuring that the benefits of the NYOTA Programme reach every corner of the nation.
“Our goal is to ensure that every young Kenyan, regardless of their background or location, has access to opportunities that enable them to build meaningful livelihoods. The NYOTA Programme is about equipping our youth with the skills, resources, and networks they need to take charge of their future,” said Dr. Dokota.
The Principal Secretary further underscored that the success of national development is deeply rooted in the empowerment of the youth — who form the majority of Kenya’s population. He reaffirmed that the government, under the leadership of His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto, is fully committed to placing youth empowerment at the heart of Kenya’s transformation agenda.
He noted that through targeted interventions such as vocational training, business incubation, access to affordable financing, and mentorship, the NYOTA Programme is helping bridge opportunity gaps and promote equitable economic participation. “This programme is not only transforming individual lives but also revitalizing local economies by creating employment, supporting small businesses, and encouraging innovation among our young people,” he added.
The visit to Tana River Primary School also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to decentralise development and bring services closer to the people. By engaging directly with local communities, the State Department for Cabinet Affairs continues to champion inclusive governance, citizen participation, and cross-sector collaboration to deliver on Kenya’s national priorities.
Dr. Dokota expressed gratitude to the county leadership, local administrators, and community-based organisations for their partnership in implementing youth-focused programmes. He encouraged the youth to take full advantage of the NYOTA Programme by enrolling in available training and capacity-building initiatives once the registration portal opens. He also called upon parents, teachers, and community leaders to support young people in embracing self-development, entrepreneurship, and civic responsibility. As the NYOTA Programme continues to expand across the country, it stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for thousands of Kenyan youths. It exemplifies the government’s resolve to empower a generation that is skilled, innovative, and ready to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth and prosperity.
The engagement at Tana River Primary School marks another milestone in advancing Kenya’s vision of a productive, inclusive, and empowered youth population, in line with the goals of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and Kenya Vision 2030. Through such initiatives, the State Department for Cabinet Affairs continues to demonstrate its leadership in coordinating intergovernmental efforts that foster national cohesion, accountability, and citizen-centered service delivery.