PS Fikirini Jacobs Highlights Role of Young Entrepreneurs During NYOTA Rollout in Nyeri

Photo: Fikirini Jacobs/FB

The government’s youth empowerment drive received a boost today as nearly 7,000 young people from Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, and Murang’a counties received NYOTA grants at the Nyeri ASK Showground. 

The event was presided over by President William Ruto, with the PS for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Fikirini Jacobs, emphasizing the central role of youth in Kenya’s economic transformation.

Speaking at the ceremony, Jacobs noted that the direct injection of KSh 3.5 million into every ward through 70 vulnerable youth beneficiaries demonstrates the government’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth. 

“For meaningful economic transformation, young people must be placed at the center of our development agenda,” she said.

The PS also underscored that while the Constitution guarantees rights and freedoms, it is the collective responsibility of citizens, particularly the youth, to drive economic stimulation. 

The NYOTA program aims to provide financial support and mentorship to young entrepreneurs, enabling them to create businesses, generate employment, and contribute to local development.

During the ceremony, beneficiaries expressed optimism that the funds would help expand their enterprises and enhance livelihoods. 

Many participants hailed the initiative as a tangible step toward youth-led economic growth, particularly in rural counties where opportunities have historically been limited.

The government has committed to monitoring the use of NYOTA grants to ensure accountability and maximize impact, reinforcing its pledge to position young people as active agents of Kenya’s socio-economic development.