Former CS Penina Malonza has called on young people aged between 18 and 29 years to take advantage of the Nyota Youth Empowerment Programme, saying it is a government-backed initiative designed to transform the lives of Kenya’s youth through enterprise support and job creation.
Speaking in Kitui East Sub-County during the distribution of water tanks under the Kila Nyumba Tangi initiative, Ms. Malonza urged the youth not to let the opportunity pass them by, emphasizing that the Nyota project is one of the most impactful government programmes targeting the youth.
“This is your moment. The government has set aside billions of shillings to support young people to start and grow their businesses. All you need to do is apply and take part in the training and mentorship,” she said.
Ms. Malonza added that the Nyota programme, led by Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke, reflects President William Ruto’s commitment to empowering young people at the grassroots under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). She encouraged those eligible to apply through the zero-rated USSD code *254#, noting that the application window remains open until October 12, 2025.
She also lauded the Ministry of Youth Affairs for ensuring inclusivity in the programme, saying it targets both rural and urban youth, including persons with disabilities and those in marginalized areas. “Every youth, whether in a village or a town, now has a fair shot at success through this programme,” she said.
During the same event, the former CS distributed dozens of water tanks to women’s groups, saying the initiative complements national efforts to improve household water access and promote community development.
Her remarks come just days after PS Mueke led a high-level sensitization forum in Kitui Town, where he announced that the Nyota programme would benefit more than 820,000 young people nationwide, with 100,000 receiving Ksh 50,000 each in start-up capital and entrepreneurship training.
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