The government has intensified efforts to bring more young Kenyans on board the Nyota Programme, a national initiative aimed at equipping the youth with job experience, entrepreneurship skills, and a culture of savings to enhance self-reliance and reduce future dependence on social welfare.
Addressing a sensitisation meeting in Kisumu, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Children Services, Carren Ogola, said the programme provides beneficiaries with a monthly stipend of Sh6,000 for six months as they undergo practical training in sectors such as affordable housing and road construction.
“As you learn, you’ll be getting Sh6,000, and part of that you should save,” Ms Ogola said. “The saving helps you take care of your own social protection so that in the future, the government does not have to support you with a cash transfer when you are old.”
She said the project leverages Kenya’s strong mobile technology network to ensure fair and transparent access for youth across the country. Registration is done digitally and is free of charge through the USSD code *254#, with applicants required to use their personal mobile numbers for verification.
