KNCCI, Government Launch Ambitious Youth Jobs Drive Under NYOTA Programme
By Kass Digital,
In a significant boost to youth empowerment efforts in Kenya, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports to implement the World Bank-funded NYOTA Programme.
The agreement, formalized through a framework contract, signals a coordinated push to tackle youth unemployment by connecting young people with practical workplace opportunities. The signing ceremony brought together key stakeholders, including Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs Katoi and KNCCI Chief Executive Officer KK Mutai. Also present were Augustine Mayabi and Kihara Njuguna, underscoring the institutional weight behind the initiative.
At the heart of the partnership is the rollout of a nationwide Hands-on Experience Programme, a bold intervention targeting 130,000 young Kenyans. Through this initiative, KNCCI has been appointed as the Umbrella Employer Organization (UEO), positioning it as a central player in linking youth to both informal and formal sector opportunities.
The programme will place 40,000 youth in the informal sector under skilled artisans, while 90,000 others will gain exposure within formal employment settings. This dual approach is designed to bridge the gap between education and employment, equipping participants with practical skills, mentorship, and pathways to sustainable livelihoods.
Implementation will begin in seven counties under Phase Two: Kakamega County, Bungoma County, Migori County, Siaya County, Busia County, Kisumu County, and Vihiga County.
Beyond numbers, the initiative represents a broader vision: nurturing a generation of skilled, work-ready youth capable of driving Kenya’s economic transformation. By integrating private sector networks with government-led youth programmes, the partnership reflects a growing recognition that sustainable employment solutions require collaboration across sectors.
As the NYOTA Programme takes shape, expectations are high that it will not only create opportunities but also redefine how young people transition into the world of work turning potential into productivity on a national scale.
