The World Bank Kenya has dismissed a circulating news release claiming it had responded to concerns over the NYOTA program, calling the statement false.
The Bank reaffirmed its partnership with the Kenyan government, highlighting the program’s role in creating jobs and supporting vulnerable youth nationwide.
“The World Bank Kenya wishes to clarify that the News release currently circulating regarding an alleged response to concerns about the @NYOTA_Kenya program is fake,” the Bank said on Wednesday. “No statement of that nature has been issued by the World Bank Kenya.”
The Bank emphasized that it remains a committed partner to the Government of Kenya in supporting NYOTA, a flagship program designed to improve livelihoods for vulnerable youth.
Launched in July 2025, the initiative focuses on broadening access to employment, boosting income opportunities, and encouraging a culture of savings among young people across the country.
“NYOTA is a flagship initiative of the Government of Kenya, supported by financing from the World Bank, aimed at improving the livelihoods of vulnerable youth by expanding access to employment opportunities, enhancing income generation, and promoting a culture of savings among young people across the country,” the statement said.
Since its inception, the program has relied on close cooperation between the government, development partners, implementing agencies, and state departments.
“The success of NYOTA, like other World Bank-supported development programmes, is anchored in strong partnerships,” the Bank noted, praising the government’s leadership and coordination efforts.
The World Bank also highlighted its long-standing support for youth-focused programs in Kenya, pointing to multi-phase projects over the past two decades, including the Kenya Youth Empowerment Project (KYEP), Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project (KYEOP), and complementary initiatives such as Kazi Kwa Vijana (2009) and Kazi Mtaani (2020).
“The World Bank appreciates the Government’s commitment to the programme, including high-level leadership and commitment to equitable access for all eligible young people across the country,” the Bank said.
“We commit to this partnership in the pursuit of shared development outcomes.”
The clarification follows comments by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on NYOTA.
While the Bank did not respond to political remarks, it urged stakeholders to avoid politicizing development initiatives.
“We urge all stakeholders, including the political leadership, to exercise restraint and avoid politicising development programmes that are designed to create jobs, expand economic opportunities, and empower young people,” said Qimiao Fan, Division Director, World Bank (Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, and Uganda).
NYOTA forms part of a broader effort to address youth unemployment in Kenya, offering sustainable employment paths, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The Bank’s statement underscores the importance of verifying information before sharing, especially in politically sensitive contexts.
