Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Terresia Mbaika Speaking during a grassroots sensitization forum at Wote Technical Training Institute. Photo Andrew Mbuva. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Terresia Mbaika, has called on local leaders across Makueni and the country to rally young people to take advantage of the Nyota Project, a government initiative aimed at empowering youth through grants, training, and job opportunities.
Speaking during a grassroots sensitization forum at Wote Technical Training Institute, PS Mbaika expressed concern over the low number of applications received so far, despite the immense opportunities presented by the programme.
“The reason we are here is because the uptake we have received in terms of applications is low. As a government, we believe in the whole-of-government approach, and we are calling on all leaders to rally the youth to register and not miss out,” she said.
The PS explained that Component Two of the project targets 70 youth from every ward, each of whom will receive KSh 50,000 in start-up capital to kickstart their business ventures. She emphasized that the funding is a grant, not a loan, making it a rare opportunity for young people to establish sustainable livelihoods.
Beyond financial support, the Nyota Project comprises three additional components — one focusing on training youth on Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO), another offering certification for skilled but uncertified youth, and a third providing on-the-job experience to build employability.
Mbaika further highlighted that the certification component would also open doors for Kenyan youth to benefit from the government’s “Jobs Majuu” initiative, which facilitates employment opportunities abroad.
“Many of our young people would like to work outside the country but lack the necessary certification. This programme gives them a chance to get those certifications and compete globally,” she noted.
She urged young people, especially those under 29 years, including women and persons with disabilities up to 35 years, to seize the opportunity and submit their applications during the six-day window when the portal reopens at midnight.
Mbaika also appealed to the media and the digital community to use their platforms to spread awareness about the project.
“We must leverage the digital space positively. There is a lot of engagement online, but unfortunately, it’s often on the wrong things. Let us use WhatsApp groups, Facebook, TikTok, and other platforms to share these opportunities with our youth,” she urged.
The PS reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring no ward is left behind, saying each should attain its full quota of beneficiaries.
“We don’t want any ward to have less than 70 youth applying and benefiting from this programme. Let’s all rise to this opportunity and help our young people build a better future,” she concluded.
