PS Teresia Mbaika: NYOTA Project to Create Jobs, Boost Youth Savings and Entrepreneurship

As part of the government’s whole-of-government approach to youth empowerment, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, PS Teresia Mbaika, today led the Makueni Chapter Grassroots Leaders, Stakeholders, and Youth Sensitization Forum on the NYOTA Project. The event marked a key step in the national rollout of the transformative programme designed to empower youth across the country.

Speaking during the forum, PS Mbaika described NYOTA as a multi-faceted, nationwide initiative that seeks to empower young people through a holistic approach. Supported by the World Bank, the Government of Kenya’s project is anchored on the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), aligning youth empowerment with the government’s broader vision for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The NYOTA Project is structured around four core components, each addressing a key area of youth development. The first, Improving Youth Employability, will be implemented by the State Department for Youth (SDY), State Department for Labour (SDL), National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), and the National Employment Authority (NEA). It focuses on equipping young Kenyans with relevant skills through training, apprenticeships, and job placement support.

The second component, Expanding Employment Opportunities, will be spearheaded by the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA). It aims to boost entrepreneurship by providing business development training, mentorship, start-up capital, and result-based financing in collaboration with social enterprises. PS Mbaika said this will empower youth to become job creators rather than job seekers.

The third component, Supporting Youth Savings, will be implemented by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). This seeks to cultivate a savings culture among youth through financial literacy programs, incentives, and improved access to financial systems. According to PS Mbaika, financial empowerment and security are critical pillars in building a resilient and forward-looking generation.

The fourth component, Strengthening Youth Employment Systems, Capacity, and Project Management, will be jointly implemented by the State Department for Youth (SDY) and the State Department for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (SD MSMEs). This will enhance coordination, monitoring, and evaluation frameworks to ensure effective implementation and measurable impact of youth-targeted initiatives.

PS Mbaika underscored the importance of partnerships between the national and county governments to maximize the programme’s reach and inclusivity. “We are working closely with County Governments to ensure the NYOTA Project benefits youth at the grassroots level. This is a national mission to equip young people with the tools, networks, and mindset needed to thrive,” she said.

The Makueni sensitization forum brought together youth leaders, local administrators, civil society representatives, and private sector players to discuss how best to harness the NYOTA programme for local benefit. The initiative continues to roll out across other counties, as the government deepens its commitment to making the youth a driving force in Kenya’s economic transformation.