State Department Leads NYOTA Validation Exercise in Tana River County
The Government of Kenya, through the State Department for Cabinet Affairs, has successfully conducted the NYOTA Validation Exercise across Garsen, Hola, and Bura in Tana River County, marking a significant milestone in the nationwide rollout of the NYOTA Youth Empowerment Programme.
Led by Dr. Idris Salim Dokota, PhD., CBS, the Principal Secretary for Cabinet Affairs, the exercise sought to verify and confirm the authenticity of applications submitted by youth across the country for the Business Support Component of the NYOTA Programme. The initiative, anchored in H.E. President Dr. William Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), is designed to equip young Kenyans with the skills, training, and resources necessary to build sustainable enterprises and advance inclusive economic growth.
Speaking during the validation sessions, Dr. Dokota reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the NYOTA Project upholds the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and accountability. This validation process ensures that every opportunity reaches the right beneficiary,” said Dr. Dokota. “It reflects our dedication to integrity and inclusivity in government programmes that directly impact the lives of young Kenyans.”
Officials from the State Department noted that the verification process not only safeguards the credibility of the NYOTA Programme but also strengthens public confidence in government-led empowerment initiatives. Throughout the engagements, the PS interacted with youth groups, local leaders, and administrators in Garsen, Hola, and Bura. He commended the enthusiasm and optimism demonstrated by young people eager to pursue entrepreneurship and innovation driven ventures.
“The energy and determination of our youth are a clear reflection of the untapped potential within our counties,” Dr. Dokota noted. “The NYOTA Project is about unlocking that potential and giving every young person the opportunity to thrive.” Participants expressed appreciation for the government’s continued investment in youth empowerment, describing the validation exercise as a sign of renewed trust and inclusion in public programmes.
The NYOTA framework provides beneficiaries with tailored training, financial literacy, and business management skills, alongside linkages to financial institutions, mentorship opportunities, and start-up support. These interventions are being delivered in partnership with county governments, national agencies, and development partners, forming a comprehensive ecosystem for youth led enterprise growth. By enabling young people to become job creators rather than job seekers, the NYOTA Project contributes directly to the government’s vision for sustainable employment creation and economic transformation.
Dr. Dokota emphasized that the exercise symbolizes more than a procedural step, it represents hope, empowerment, and inclusion for young Kenyans. “Empowering our youth is not an act of charity; it is an investment in Kenya’s future,” he said. “The government remains steadfast in ensuring that the NYOTA Programme delivers tangible and lasting impact in every county.” Following the successful validation in Tana River, the State Department for Cabinet Affairs will oversee the rollout of the next components of the NYOTA Programme, including the disbursement of business grants and mentorship engagements.
The Department reaffirmed its commitment to a people cantered, transparent, and technology driven approach to governance ensuring that every youth, regardless of background, has a fair chance to succeed and contribute to Kenya’s development story. Together, we are building a Kenya where every youth is empowered, every effort is rewarded, and every dream is within reach. The NYOTA Programme (National Youth Opportunities, Training and Advancement) is a flagship government initiative targeting over 100,000 young entrepreneurs across Kenya. The programme focuses on enterprise development, financial inclusion, and skills enhancement in alignment with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).