NYOTA Launches New Programme Offering Sh36,000 to Youths; How to Apply

President William Ruto presides over Nyota Project business start-up capital disbursement forum held at Gusii Stadium in Kisii County on January 29, 2026. (PCS)

The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project has reopened applications for its on-the-job experience programme, offering eligible Kenyan youth an opportunity to gain workplace skills while earning up to Ksh36,000.

According to the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, the programme targets unemployed youth and those in low-income or vulnerable jobs, with placements aimed at improving employability through real work experience.

The NYOTA on-the-job experience, also referred to as the Workplace Learning programme, allows participants to gain hands-on training, receive mentorship from industry experts and earn a nationally recognised certificate upon completion.

“The intervention features technical skill-building in various economies. Get placed in real jobs, gain and sharpen your skills, boost your confidence, and increase your chances of getting employed,” read the notice in part.

The programme is open to youth aged 18-25 years, with the upper age limit extended to 35 years for persons living with disabilities, according to details shared by the NYOTA Project.

Applicants must have a Form Four level of education or below and be drawn from any of the forty-seven counties, with the initiative designed to reach young people across the country.

In addition to technical skills, participants will undergo life skills, business and digital skills training, which the organisers say is meant to boost confidence and improve chances of securing long-term employment.

Applications were reopened on January 29th and will close on February 13th 2026.

How to Apply

To apply, eligible youth are required to dial *254# on their mobile phones, select the NYOTA Project option and follow the prompts provided.

The programme managers have emphasised that applicants are not required to pay any fees to participate and warned youth to be cautious of fraudsters demanding payment.

"Applicants are not required to pay for service under the Nyota project" the notice read.

According to the notice, applicants who had previously applied for the on-the-job experience programme are not required to submit fresh applications.

Speaking on Monday, January 12, during the NYOTA disbursement in Nyeri County, President William Ruto said the government has already identified centres where young people will receive training for various courses.

“We are looking for 90,000 young people who have no skills and have not attended college. We want them because we plan to pay for them to take a course of their choice.

“If you want to study hairdressing, tailoring, mechanics, plumbing, or electrical skills, we have identified mastercraft centres across Kenya,” said Ruto.

The President also announced that the 90,000 participants will receive a monthly stipend of Sh6,000 to cover transportation to and from the training centres.

“We will pay for your training, and we will also give you Sh6,000 every month to ensure you have funds to travel to and from school,” Ruto added.