The government has opened applications for the On-the-Job Experience (OJE) component under the NYOTA Project, targeting unemployed and underemployed youth across the country.
The application window opened at midnight on January 30, 2026, and will run for two weeks, according to the Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy.
The programme is open to young people aged between 18 and 29 years, with an upper age limit of 35 years for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Eligible applicants must have a maximum qualification of Form Four and be currently unemployed or underemployed. Applications are open nationwide and can be submitted by dialling *254#.
The OJE component is structured as a six-month apprenticeship programme designed to equip participants with practical skills and workplace exposure.
It combines hands-on training in real work environments with mentorship and work-readiness support aimed at easing the transition from training to employment.
Participants will also undergo trade testing and certification by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), providing them with nationally recognised credentials to enhance their competitiveness in the job market.
In addition, successful applicants will receive a monthly facilitation stipend of KSh 6,000 for the duration of the programme.
The NYOTA Project is part of the government’s broader youth employment and skills development strategy under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The initiative seeks to address youth unemployment by focusing on skills acquisition, certification, and direct pathways to jobs, particularly for young people with limited formal education.
The Ministry urged eligible youth to apply within the stipulated period, noting that the programme offers an opportunity to gain market-relevant skills and practical experience.
Officials say the OJE component is expected to strengthen employability outcomes while supporting the government’s wider agenda of inclusive economic growth and job creation.