Process of Verification for NYOTA Programme

The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Programme, funded by the World Bank, is a five-year initiative by the Government of Kenya aimed at transforming the lives of vulnerable youth. Its physical validation exercise is scheduled for Friday, October 24, 2025.

The programme seeks to create employment opportunities, enhance income generation, and promote savings among young people.

Under the Business Support Component, 100,000 youth entrepreneurs will receive entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and start-up grants of KSh 50,000 each to help launch and grow their businesses.

NYOTA Programme Verification Process

The verification process for Kenya’s NYOTA Programme involves several stages, including computerized selection, a mandatory Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test (EAT), a physical validation exercise at the constituency level, and a final selection announcement.

This article provides a detailed explanation of the verification process for the Programme.

The first stage of verification for the NYOTA Programme is an automated eligibility check based on the details provided during your initial application.

This process occurs immediately after you submit your application through the USSD code, *254#. The system verifies that you meet the basic criteria, including your age, citizenship, and educational background.

After the system’s initial eligibility check, successful applicants are shortlisted through a computerized randomization process.

They are then notified via SMS to proceed to the next stages, starting with the Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test (EAT). This test consists of 19 questions, all of which must be completed to proceed.

The EAT is free, accessible on any mobile phone, and available in multiple languages. To start, send the word “NYOTA” to short code 40270 from the same phone number used for your application. Complete all 19 questions before the deadline on Friday, 24th October 2025, at 12:00 p.m.

The test is designed to assess your entrepreneurial mindset and readiness to start a business.

To take the test, you must send the word “NYOTA” to the short code 40270 from the same phone number you used for your application.

Also Read: NYOTA Issues Fresh Directive to All Program Applicants

After completing the Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test (EAT), the next step is the physical validation exercise. This is an in-person verification process held at designated centers, usually at the constituency level, which will be conducted across all 290 constituency headquarters in the country.

During this stage, pre-selected applicants must comply with the following:

• Appear in person at the specified venue.
• Present their original National Identification (ID) card and a copy of the pre-selection SMS.
• Bring their disability identification card, if applicable.
• Confirm their details, such as residency, against the information they provided during the application.

Once the physical validation exercise concludes, the NYOTA project team will analyze the results and Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test performance reports over a three-day review period.

The final list of successful beneficiaries will then be announced, followed by induction and training sessions to prepare the successful applicants for the business start-up phase.

About the Programme

The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) project is a 5-year job-creation initiative by the Government of Kenya, in partnership with the World Bank, aimed at improving the livelihoods of vulnerable and marginalized youth in Kenya.

Also Read: Ruto Announces NYOTA Verification and Disbursement Dates of Ksh 50K to 100,000 Youth Countrywide

The project targets to benefit at least 820,000 vulnerable youth aged between 18 and 29 years and up to 35 years for persons with disability in all the 1450 wards across the country, with up to Form 4 education level, and provides equal opportunities to both male and female youth.

Eligibility of the Youth Programme

• AGE: 18-29 years & up to 35 years for PWD
• Education: Up to Form 4 education
• Employment: Not employed
• NOT KYEOP beneficiary,
• Must be available throughout the project period
• Final selection based on Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test (EAT)

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