A World Bank-funded project is set to benefit over 800,000 youths nationwide, aiming to enhance targets to increase their employability.
The National Youth Opportunities towards Advancement (NYOTA) targets to address rising unemployment amongst the youth through skilling, financing and promotion of a culture of saving to derisk their livelihoods.
Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Principal Secretary (PS) Ismail Maalim Madey said the project being rolled out jointly with the State Department for Labour and Micro and Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) will support the youth to unlock their entrepreneurial skills and at the same time access financing and opportunities to enhance their employability.
Speaking at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu during the launch of International Youth Week celebrations, the Principal Secretary said the initiative was part of the government’s efforts to address unemployment in the country urging the youth to take advantage of the project and other ongoing interventions.
“This project encourages determination and zeal to achieve goals, regardless of personal connections. Work hard and don’t let it pass without benefiting from it,” he said.
The number of unemployed youths in the country is increasing as millions graduate from universities and middle-level colleges.
“The government and the private sector alone cannot absorb all these people. Therefore, we must be creative and take advantage of the youth fund and other government programs to address this challenge,” he said.
The State Department is currently conducting a national talent search to support and nurture creatives. The search, dubbed ‘Who’s next’, aims to identify Kenya’s next big stars in various categories. Meanwhile, the disciplines mentioned include music, drama, comedy, performing arts, dance, and content creation, among others.
Madey announced that auditions will be conducted online through the Talanta Hela website, followed by physical auditions in collaboration with county governments. “We have made the process simple. If you have talent you can do a short video recording and post it on the portal on Talanta Hela website to be auditioned,” he said.
Speaking during the same occasion, Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Josiah Moriasi said the uptake of the funds has improved.
The fund has so far disbursed Sh15.4 billion to youths and youth groups across the country, whereas, in Kisumu County it has disbursed Sh. 600 million to 16,000 youths.
He highlighted, the fund has developed new products to broaden its reach and ensure maximum access to the funds for all youths.
Talanta loans, green loans, migrations loans, and LPO financing are among the products targeted at individual borrowers.
Meanwhile, the International Youth Week activities serve as a preparation for the International Youth Day celebrations slated for Mombasa on August 9.
By Chris Mahandara
