Nairobi: More than 8,000 young people from Kirinyaga County applied for funding under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme, according to figures released by the State Department for Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA). The physical verification exercise, held across all four constituencies in the county, saw an impressive turnout as thousands of applicants turned up to confirm their details.

According to Kenya News Agency, the process was presided over by Dr. Grace Ikahu, representing Health Principal Secretary, Mary Muthoni, and proceeded smoothly. Applicants who had earlier received SMS notifications were required to present their national identification cards for confirmation against the MSEA system records.

The World Bank-funded NYOTA initiative seeks to transform the lives of vulnerable young Kenyans by promoting employment creation, business development, income generation, and a savings culture. Speaking at Kerugoya Stadium, Kirinyaga Youth Fund Coordinator, David Karimi, stated that successful applicants will undergo training and mentorship programmes to prepare them for business startups.

He acknowledged that a few challenges were experienced, including applicants reporting to the wrong verification centres due to incorrect ward information or the use of wrong phone numbers during registration. Karimi, however, assured that all efforts are being made to ensure no deserving youth is left out of the process.

Only 70 youths will be selected per ward, each receiving a grant of Sh50,000, but the programme will run for five years, giving more opportunities to others who may not be picked this time. One of the applicants, Meshack Kilonzo, called for better inclusivity, suggesting that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) be given a special verification desk to ease movement and ensure fair access to government programmes.