Kenya, July 12 -- The Kenyan government's ambitious National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) program, a multi-billion-shilling initiative aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs, is at risk due to a Kenya youth empowerment budget shortfall of Ksh7.6 billion, according to The Star.
The NYOTA youth program Kenya, designed to provide grants, business training, and market access to at least 70 youths per ward, faces delays that could jeopardize its goal of supporting over 800,000 young Kenyans.
This Kenya government youth initiative highlights the nation's commitment to tackling youth unemployment Kenya, but funding constraints threaten its rollout.
The NYOTA program, a flagship project co-funded by the World Bank youth empowerment Kenya with a USD 229 million concessional credit, aims to address the Kenya youth unemployment crisis, with 13.35% of youth jobless in 2022.
Each successful applicant was promised Ksh50,000 in two Ksh25,000 installments, alongside business training for youth Kenya and market linkage support.
The initiative targets youths aged 18-29 (up to 35 for those with disabilities), particularly those with secondary education or lower, including dropouts.
However, Principal Secretary Susan Mang'eni, speaking before the National Assembly's Trade Committee, revealed that only Ksh1.2 billion has been secured, leaving a critical funding gap.
This Kenya youth program funding delay has sparked concern among lawmakers, with Ikolomani MP Benard Shinali urging the government to publish beneficiary lists to maintain transparency.
The youth entrepreneurship Kenya initiative, a scaled-up version of the Kenya Youth Employment Opportunities Project (KYEOP), risks repeating past failures where funds were returned to the World Bank due to delays.
Social media posts reflect public frustration, with users noting the program's potential to transform lives if adequately funded.
The Kenya government youth empowerment plan aligns with Vision 2030's social pillar, aiming to boost youth economic opportunities Kenya through entrepreneurship and skill development.
Despite progress in programs like Kazi Mtaani and Youth Enterprise Development Fund, experts call for better sensitization and alignment with industry needs to ensure success.
The NYOTA program challenges underscore the need for fiscal solutions, such as leveraging Article 223 for emergency funding, to prevent a World Bank funding withdrawal.
As Kenya grapples with youth employment initiatives Kenya, the government must address the budget constraints youth programs to restore confidence among the youth.
With over 75% of Kenya's population under 35, the success of NYOTA youth empowerment could shape the nation's economic future, fostering sustainable youth entrepreneurship and reducing unemployment.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.