The State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy says preparations are underway for a new phase of youth training under the NYOTA Project.
Beneficiaries in five counties will undergo induction and a 20-day socio-emotional skills course aimed at improving employability and equipping young people with practical competencies needed for jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The State Department officials said said on Thursday that the programme will begin with the induction and training of beneficiaries under the project’s On-the-Job Experience component, targeting young people in several counties across the country.
The training will focus on beneficiaries from five counties in the third phase of the programme, commonly referred to as Lot 3.
According to programme organisers, the induction process will introduce participants to the objectives and structure of the NYOTA Project, as well as the benefits expected from the On-the-Job Experience initiative.
The induction will also provide an overview of the expectations placed on beneficiaries and stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of the training programme.
The ministry officials said the programme is designed to prepare young people to transition more effectively into employment opportunities and entrepreneurial ventures.
After the induction stage, participants will undergo a 20-day Socio-Emotional Skills Development training programme.
The course is intended to strengthen essential competencies that help young people navigate the workplace and build successful careers.
The department said socio-emotional skills are increasingly recognised as critical in modern employment environments where teamwork, adaptability and problem-solving abilities are valued alongside technical skills.
The training will be conducted across five counties, Kitui County, Kwale County, Machakos County, Makueni County, and Taita Taveta County.
These counties form part of the Lot 3 phase of the training programme, which targets beneficiaries selected under the NYOTA Project.
Officials said the training is structured to help participants develop practical competencies that are essential for employment and self-employment opportunities.
The programme also aims to equip beneficiaries with skills that enhance communication, resilience, workplace discipline and problem-solving.
The department said such competencies are important in helping young people succeed in both formal employment and entrepreneurial activities.
Youth empowerment initiatives remain a key priority for the government as it seeks to address unemployment challenges affecting young people.
Programmes such as the NYOTA Project are designed to create pathways that help youth gain experience and build the confidence needed to participate in economic activities.
The On-the-Job Experience component is particularly focused on bridging the gap between training and employment by exposing young people to real workplace environments.
Officials say the combination of induction, socio-emotional training and practical experience is expected to strengthen the employability of participants.
The training programme also aims to prepare beneficiaries to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities where formal employment may be limited.
Youth development experts say programmes that combine technical training with socio-emotional skills development can significantly improve the chances of long-term employment success.
Authorities have encouraged beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity to strengthen their professional skills and prepare for the demands of the job market.
The initiative is also expected to contribute to broader national efforts aimed at empowering youth and promoting inclusive economic growth.
By focusing on employability and entrepreneurship, the NYOTA Project aims to help young people develop the skills required to actively participate in the country’s economic development.
Officials say the training represents an important step toward building a more skilled and resilient workforce capable of adapting to changing labour market demands.
With preparations for the induction already underway, beneficiaries in the five counties are expected to begin the training programme soon.
Authorities say the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to expand opportunities for young people and support their transition into sustainable livelihoods.
