President William Ruto addressing residents of Kisii Town after leading the disbursement of NYOTA Business Start-Up Capital to young entrepreneurs drawn from Kisii, Nyamira and Migori counties at Gusii Stadium. Photo Courtesy. 
By Stanley Mumo
President William Ruto has challenged young Kenyans to take full advantage of government empowerment funds to initiate meaningful, income-generating projects that can transform their lives and contribute to national economic growth.
The President said youth empowerment remains central to his administration’s development agenda, noting that programmes such as the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) are designed to help young entrepreneurs start or expand their businesses.
He was speaking on Thursday at Gusii Stadium in Kisii town during the disbursement of NYOTA Business Start-Up Capital to young entrepreneurs drawn from Kisii, Nyamira and Migori counties.
A total of 8,820 youth benefited from KSh220.5 million under the programme. In the first phase, each beneficiary received KSh25,000, with KSh22,000 sent directly to their mobile money accounts while KSh3,000 was deposited into Haba na Haba savings accounts at the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
President Ruto said investing in skills training, education and entrepreneurship is critical in tackling unemployment, adding that the government is determined to create practical pathways for young people to access jobs and sustainable livelihoods.
“Young people who are yet to benefit from this programme should apply for other components because we want to support as many youths as possible through NYOTA, which is part of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda we promised Kenyans,” the President said.
He reiterated that young people are a key pillar of the country’s development and assured them of continued government support through initiatives such as affordable housing, NYOTA, Kazi Majuu and the establishment of digital hubs.
“Youth empowerment remains a priority because you are our greatest resource. We are moving from promises to action by creating real opportunities in employment and entrepreneurship,” he said.
The President added that the government’s approach goes beyond financing, focusing on long-term interventions in labour mobility, the digital and creative economy, and the affordable housing programme.
He also cautioned young people against being misused by politicians, urging them to critically interrogate leaders seeking elective positions.
“Some critics have been attacking the NYOTA programme, yet they have no mission, agenda or alternative plan to uplift the lives of our young people. The success of our programmes will expose them,” President Ruto said.
On development projects in Kisii County, the President announced that KSh33 billion has been allocated for affordable housing, modern markets, and student hostels. The county is set to benefit from 10,000 affordable housing units, 20 modern markets and hostels to accommodate 7,800 college and university students.
He further revealed that KSh7 billion has been earmarked for the construction and improvement of roads in the county.
Addressing concerns over the delayed expansion of Gusii Stadium, President Ruto said the KSh770 million project had stalled due to the need to relocate Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) offices. He assured residents that funds would be provided for the relocation, with the stadium expansion expected to be completed before December.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the government is determined to end the exploitation of young people by politicians, noting that youths have for long been used as hecklers, goons and online bloggers to push selfish political agendas.
“Our youths should take advantage of programmes like NYOTA and reject those who want to use them as agents of chaos and division,” Prof Kindiki said.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati reaffirmed ODM’s commitment to working with President Ruto under the broad-based government, dismissing critics as lacking a viable development agenda.
“We will continue working with President William Ruto. Those making noise in Nairobi can go on, but we are focused on delivering development,” Governor Arati said.
The event was attended by Cabinet Secretaries Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and MSMEs), Salim Mvurya (Sports and Youth Affairs) and Migosi Ogamba (Education), National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed, and several Members of Parliament.
Later, President Ruto laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Nyambera Modern Market in Kisii town.
