One of the key features of the initiative is a monthly allowance of KSh 6,000 for young people enrolled in workplace training.
This comes on top of the NYOTA business support package, where selected youths receive KSh 22,000, with KSh 3,000 of that amount placed directly into a savings account to encourage a culture of saving.
The programme is part of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and is designed to help about 90,000 young Kenyans gain hands-on skills by working with experienced artisans or employers for a period of three to six months.
The stipend is sent monthly to participants’ Haba Haba savings accounts, allowing them to earn, save, and learn at the same time.
To qualify, applicants must be Kenyan citizens aged between 18 and 29. For persons with disabilities, the age limit goes up to 35.
They must be unemployed or earning very little at the time of application.
Academic certificates are not required, making the programme accessible to school leavers and those who dropped out early.
President Ruto explained that the target group includes youths who never completed school or those with KCSE certificates but no professional skills.
Speaking in Laikipia, he said the programme is meant to build long-term self-reliance through skills and entrepreneurship, not short-term handouts.
Interested youths can apply through the official NYOTA portal or by dialing *254# and selecting the NYOTA option.