How to Apply for NYOTA Program Offering Ksh6,000 Stipends to 90,000 Youth

The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project has reopened applications for its On-the-Job Experience (OJE) programme, which offers young Kenyans the opportunity to gain workplace skills, earn nationally recognised certification, and receive a monthly stipend of Ksh6,000.

According to a notice shared on Friday, the programme targets unemployed youth aged 18 to 29 years, with the upper age limit extended to 35 years for persons with disabilities.

The application is open to Kenyan youth at the Form Four level or below. The OJE programme runs for five months, combining structured on-the-job training with mentorship from industry experts.

Participants are placed in real-world work environments, where they gain hands-on experience and sharpen technical and workplace skills across various sectors.

Youth enrolled in the programme may select trades from the digital, creative, green, blue, and grey economies.

Upon successful completion, participants undergo Trade Testing assessments conducted by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), leading to nationally recognised certification.

How to apply for the NYOTA OJE program

The first application window runs from January 29 to February 13, 2026. To apply, dial *254#, select the NYOTA Project option, and follow the prompts to enter your National ID, personal details, preferred component (choose on-the-job training/apprenticeship for the stipend), location, and any other required information.

Also Read: Govt Announces Dates NYOTA Beneficiaries Will Receive Ksh22,000 Grant This January

After submission, you’ll receive an SMS confirmation. If shortlisted, the official NYOTA number will send another SMS with the next steps, including verification, aptitude tests (if applicable), or placement details.

No payment is required to apply or participate, and youth who previously applied for the OJE programme do not need to reapply.

Beyond technical training, the programme incorporates Socio-Emotional Skills Development (SESD), which focuses on communication, leadership, business skills, and financial literacy.

This component is designed to improve employability and prepare beneficiaries for either formal employment or self-employment as artisans.

The NYOTA Project works in partnership with industry players, including the Kenya Association of Manufacturers and Kenya Film Services, to support job placements and mentorship opportunities for beneficiaries.

Recognition of Prior Learning component

As part of its broader implementation, the NYOTA Project also launched its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) component, which is rolling out a nationwide awareness and screening exercise targeting over 63,000 beneficiaries.

The RPL initiative aims to formally recognise skills acquired through informal and non-formal learning pathways and assess and certify 20,000 young artisans.

Also Read: Govt Launches World Bank–Funded Ksh20 Million Support for Small Businesses

It follows three key stages: identification of candidates and competencies through awareness and counselling; documentation of skills through preparation and assessment of a Portfolio of Evidence; and final assessment and certification leading to the award of nationally recognised certificates.

NYOTA conducted RPL awareness and screening exercises earlier this week in Kajiado County, where accredited assessors evaluated participants’ trade skills and guided them through the certification process.

Meanwhile, the OJE induction exercise is currently ongoing in several counties, including Nakuru, Bomet, Kisii, Homa Bay, Kericho, Narok, and Nyamira, targeting 14,000 beneficiaries.

The induction is followed by SESD training and skill-craft sessions to identify beneficiaries’ interests and prepare them for placement.

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