The State Department for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development has issued an update on the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) project.
The NYOTA project is a government initiative funded by the World Bank designed to empower vulnerable youth by creating employment, enhancing their income, and promoting a savings culture.
In a statement on Wednesday, October 15, MSMes Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni announced the postponement of the nationwide NYOTA verification exercise.
The verification had been scheduled for this Friday across all 290 constituencies. However, PS Mang’eni said that the exercise has been postponed from the initial date following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Wednesday and the Presidential Proclamation issued by President William Ruto announcing a period of 7-day national mourning.
“The national verification exercise scheduled for Friday, 17th October 2025, across the 290 Constituencies, has been postponed. The exercise was expected to draw the participation of the Principal Secretaries, elected leaders, and the National Government Administration Officers under the Whole -of – Government Approach,” PS Mang’eni stated.
“This decision follows the untimely passing of the Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya, the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, E.G.H., earlier today, and the Presidential Proclamation issued by His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H., President of the Republic of Kenya, announcing a period of national mourning from today until sunset on the day of the late leader’s interment.”
Also Read: Raila Odinga Death: President Ruto’s Address to the Nation [FULL TEXT SPEECH]
NYOTA verification exercise postponed
PS Mang’eni has announced that the new dates for the verification exercise will be communicated in due course.
“We join the nation in mourning the loss of a great statesman and patriot who dedicated his life to the service, peace, unity, and progress of our beloved country,” she added.
The project aims to provide various opportunities to Kenyan youth, including apprenticeships, entrepreneurship support, and access to financial literacy programs, with the goal of helping over 200,000 young people across Kenya.
The postponement of the NYOTA verification exercise follows President Ruto’s directive earlier this month to all PSs to spearhead grassroots engagement in the rollout of the program.
In a statement after a meeting with Principal Secretaries on Friday, October 3, the Head of State announced that PSs would be dispatched across the country to ensure seamless coordination.
“On Monday October 6, 2025, all the Principal Secretaries will be in all the 47 counties to meet governors, members of Parliament and county assemblies (MCAs), and chiefs to sensitise the leaders and youth on the programme, and to align implementation at the grassroots,” he stated.
Also Read: Government Reopens Applications for NYOTA Programme; How to Apply
President Ruto noted that the program’s success depends on the involvement of leaders at all levels of governance, stressing that inclusivity would be the cornerstone of the rollout.
“By involving leaders from the Executive, Legislature, and county governments, the process will be transparent and inclusive, ensuring that every young person has a fair chance to benefit,” he added.
The government reopened applications for Phase Two of the NYOTA project, with the registration window running from October 6 to October 12.
Energy Mashujaa Week’s activities postponed
Meanwhile, Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, has also announced the suspension of all programs and activities of the Energy Mashujaa Week in Kitui County, which were being spearheaded by the National Holidays Thematic Technical Committee.
Itumbi said that the suspension is in compliance with the President Ruto’s address to the nation in honor of Odinga.
He said that the activities, which commenced yesterday, were scheduled to conclude on Saturday, October 18. According to Itumbi, the announcement has been formally conveyed to all participants gathered at the Kitui Teachers Training College.
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