The World Bank has explained its decision to support Kenya’s National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme, citing youth unemployment as one of the country’s most urgent development challenges.
Speaking during the launch of the initiative in Malindi, Kilifi County, World Bank Kenya Director Qimiao Fan described NYOTA as a strategic tool to create job opportunities for young Kenyans.
“NYOTA is important because it addresses what I believe is the biggest development challenge Kenya faces today - jobs. This is why we, as the World Bank, decided to support it," Fan said.
The Director highlighted that the World Bank’s engagement with Kenya is firmly focused on improving employability and creating inclusive job opportunities.
He emphasized the institution’s commitment by saying, "The World Bank does only three things in Kenya: jobs, jobs, jobs. In addition to supporting you in implementing NYOTA, our entire program is squarely focused on supporting Kenya to create more inclusive jobs."
Fan further noted that the programme’s impact will be measured not by the number of participants but by how effectively it equips them to find employment, launch businesses, and generate jobs for others.
Since its announcement in July 2025, the NYOTA programme has been structured around four key components: paid on-the-job training, entrepreneurship support, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certification, and a startup fund to help young people kickstart businesses.
The World Bank Board approved the project, committing approximately Sh29.5 billion over five years to support its implementation. The government has already begun the final phase of fund disbursement in eight counties, which is expected to conclude within two weeks.
On Friday, February 6, beneficiaries in Mombasa, Kwale, and Taita Taveta will receive their funds. Wajir County recipients are set to get theirs on Wednesday, February 11, while Garissa County beneficiaries will receive theirs on Thursday, February 12, according to the Principal Secretary.
A recent survey by research firm Infotrak shows that most Kenyans believe the government’s Ksh50,000 NYOTA Fund startup grant is sufficient to help young entrepreneurs take their first steps into business.
