• For Kenya’s youth, the true test is skills translated into jobs, careers, and sustainable livelihoods. If executed effectively, this program could be a blueprint for turning unemployment into opportunity.

On February 5, 2026, President William Ruto revealed that the government is set to roll out the second pillar of the NYOTA programme, the On-the-Job Experience initiative targeting 90,000 young people.

According to him, under this pillar, youth will be attached to master craftsmen for six months and receive a monthly stipend of KSh6,000. “The government will fully cover the cost of training, assessment and certification,” he said.

Ruto encouraged young people to apply for the NYOTA Program opportunities emphasizing that the initiative is designed to strengthen youth employability.

“We urge young people across the country to apply for these opportunities to strengthen their employability through practical skills and hands-on experience,” he said.

For Kenya’s youth, the true test lies in skills translated into jobs, careers, and sustainable livelihoods.

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Millions of graduates enter the job market annually with theoretical knowledge but little practical experience. By pairing young people with experienced professionals, NYOTA tackles a critical gap in employability: real‑world, marketable skills.

At first glance, the initiative is bold and welcome. Yet, questions remain:

Can 90,000 placements meet the scale of need across the country? Is six months of attachment enough to make young Kenyans competitive in a labor market that demands depth and versatility?

The program’s success depends not just on numbers trained, but on the quality of mentorship, relevance of skills, and actual employment outcomes after completion.

Youth empowerment programs often carry political undertones, especially when launched with high visibility. But their true measure lies in lasting economic empowerment, not media coverage. For NYOTA to succeed, it must move beyond being a stipend or temporary placement and deliver long‑term transformation.

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