THE NYOTA CONSULTATIVE FORUM IN BUSIA COUNTY

The Busia County has today, Monday, 6th October 2025 hosted the National Youth Opportunity Towards Advancement (NYOTA) project Consultative Forum themed “To increase employment, earnings and promote savings for youth” at Busende Secondary School.

This Initiative follows guidance which was made by H.E. the President of Kenya, Dr. William Samoei Ruto on 3rd October 2025 at State House. It emphasizes on the importance of County-level sensitization forums involving Local Leadership and National Government Administration Officials (NGAOs).

While Officially Inaugurating the County-level Sensitization sessions, the Economic Planning Principal Secretary, Dr. Bonface Makokha underscored that the NYOTA project aligns well with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) which is a key flagship project for job creation through practical and result-oriented approach.

PS Makokha highlighted that the government in partnership with the the World Bank rolled out the program with the aim to support and ensure that the Youth access entrepreneurship support including start-up capital, mentorship and market linkages.

The project targets 70 vulnerable youth per Ward aged between 18-29 years and up to 35 years for persons with disabilities (PWDs).The Program also aims for 50% gender equity with a total package of KShs 50,000 per beneficiary, he added.

“The initiative presents three pathways to job creation which include job experience, recognition of prior learning and business support” PS Makokha said.

In addition, Free certification will be provided by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) to all the successful applicants.

The Government remains committed in advancing inclusive youth empowerment through sustainable skills development, entrepreneurship and employment creation under the NYOTA project.

In attendance during the Forum were; the Busia County Commissioner Mwachanga Chaunga, Busia County Executive Committee Member for Sports, Culture and Social services Paul Ikwenye, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports County Coordinator, Sarah Kataka and NSSF Busia Branch Manager, Mildred Kabachi among other Stakeholders.