By KPC Reporter
Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke has said the NYOTA project is already transforming youth livelihoods across Kenya.
Isaboke said the transformation is combining start-up capital with access to digital skills and online jobs, enabling young people to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
Isaboke said at least 300,000 youths across the country have been supported to access digital jobs over the last three years, noting that initiatives such as NYOTA are critical in linking skills training with financing for sustainable enterprise growth.
Speaking to the press during a visit to the Jitume Digital Hub at Kisii National Polytechnic, Isaboke said the facility trains about 400 youths and is equipped with 100 computers operating in four shifts to meet the rising demand for digital skills.
He explained that youths trained at the hubs are able to access opportunities in online freelancing, digital marketing, business process outsourcing, broadcasting and telecommunications.
He added that the government is expanding digital infrastructure in the region, including the construction of a Centre of Excellence digital hub in Ogembo town, Gucha Sub-County, and the development of several other digital hubs at different stages across Kisii County to widen access to training opportunities.
Isaboke reiterated that the digital hubs and the NYOTA project align with the Digital Superhighway pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to equip youths with market-ready skills while supporting enterprise development.
He noted that the government plans to roll out 100,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable, establish 1,450 digital hubs at the ward level and provide 25,000 free Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide to strengthen the digital economy.
His remarks came a day after President William Ruto officially launched the NYOTA start-up capital disbursement project in Kisii County, an initiative aimed at empowering youths through business funding and digital skills development.
The President flagged off the programme at Gusii Stadium, pressing a button to mark its official launch.
Under the initiative, 3,820 youths from Kisii County benefited directly, while about 8,800 youths from Kisii, Migori and Nyamira counties received support.
The programme targets youths aged between 18 and 29 years, particularly those who did not progress beyond Form Four.
Each beneficiary received Sh25,000, with Sh22,000 allocated to small business start-ups and Sh3,000 deposited into savings.
President Ruto said the programme is designed to uplift youths at the grassroots and ensure no young person is left behind in economic development, with a strong emphasis on digital skills and access to online job opportunities under BETA.
