Government Reopens Applications For NYOTA Programme

Government Reopens Applications for NYOTA Programme; How to Apply

The Government of Kenya has officially reopened the application portal for the NYOTA Programme, a flagship youth empowerment initiative that provides business support, internships, and practical learning opportunities to young Kenyans.

The move comes as a relief to thousands who missed the initial application window earlier this year.

The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, aims to address youth unemployment by equipping participants with the skills, experience, and financial support necessary to start or grow their businesses.

Interested applicants can access the programme by dialing *254# on their mobile phones, a simple and inclusive method that ensures accessibility even in remote areas.

How to Apply

The application process is straightforward and mobile-based:

*Dial 254# on your mobile phone.
Select “Apply for NYOTA Project” from the main menu.
Choose your preferred intervention:
- Business Support (On-the-job training)
- On-the-job Experience (Internship)
- Learning & Practice

Once an option is selected, applicants will be guided through a series of prompts to complete their registration.

The system is designed to be user-friendly, requiring minimal data and no internet connection, making it ideal for youth in underserved regions.

Questions will include education level, disability status, county of residence, and employment situation. Once submitted, applicants receive a confirmation message.

Target Beneficiaries

The NYOTA Programme targets Kenyan youth aged between 18 and 35 years, with a focus on those who are unemployed, underemployed, or seeking to transition into entrepreneurship.

Priority is given to applicants from marginalized communities, women, and persons with disabilities.

According to officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the reopening is part of a strategic expansion aimed at accommodating more applicants and ensuring equitable access to government support.

“We realized that many young people were unable to apply during the first phase due to various challenges. This second window is about inclusivity and giving everyone a fair chance.”

According to MSEA, the reopened intake prioritizes the On-Job Experience and Entrepreneurship Support tracks, following the successful completion of the pilot phase earlier in the year.

The programme has already drawn interest from thousands of young Kenyans eager to gain skills and financial independence.

NYOTA Programme Benefits

Participants in the Business Support stream will receive:

Tailored on-the-job training
Business mentorship
Seed funding or access to credit facilities
Networking opportunities with industry leaders

Those who opt for internships or learning & practice will be placed in partner institutions and companies for hands-on experience, with the possibility of long-term employment or certification upon completion.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must be Kenyan citizens with a valid National Identity Card and a SIM card registered in their own name.

The programme primarily targets youth with education levels up to secondary school, specifically those who have completed Form Four (KCSE) but have not advanced to tertiary or university education.

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Priority will be given to unemployed or underemployed individuals, including those working in informal or low-income settings.

Persons with disabilities, marginalized youth, and those from vulnerable backgrounds are also strongly encouraged to apply.

The government has emphasized that NYOTA is entirely free of charge, warning applicants against falling victim to fraudsters who demand payment in exchange for registration or placement.