Deputy President Kithure Kindiki/FILE

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has dismissed criticism
from leaders who have questioned the adequacy of the NYOTA grant, insisting the
programme is a crucial first step in empowering young people economically.

Speaking at Kabiruini Showground in Nyeri County, Kindiki
said leaders who argue that the amount given to youth is too little should
instead seek alternative resources and top up the government’s support rather
than disparaging the initiative.

“If you think the money is small, we will give what we are
able to give now. Go and look for more money and add to what the government is
giving the youth,” Kindiki said.

The Deputy President noted that the current allocation under
the NYOTA programme should not be viewed as final, adding that the government
is exploring additional ways of increasing support to young people in the
future.

“This is just the first step towards your own empowerment,”
he told beneficiaries of the fund, urging them to make prudent use of the
grants they receive.

Kindiki argued that there is no fixed definition of whether
a grant is little or enough, stressing that the real measure of success lies in
how the money is utilised.

“There is no little or enough grant. What matters is how you
spend the money and what you are able to build from it,” he said.

He encouraged young people to view the NYOTA grant as seed
capital that can be used to lay the foundation for sustainable livelihoods,
noting that many successful entrepreneurs started with modest resources.

“I want to encourage our young people to take whatever they
will receive today as the first step towards transforming their lives. It is
possible to start small and grow big into a successful business person in the
future,” the Deputy President added.

The NYOTA grant is part of the government’s broader strategy
to tackle youth unemployment by supporting enterprise development and
self-employment among vulnerable young people across the country.

Implemented with support from the World Bank, the grant
provides eligible youths with seed capital of up to Sh50,000, alongside
training in entrepreneurship, financial literacy and life skills.

The initiative targets vulnerable and low-income youth,
helping them transition into self-employment and improve their livelihoods.

Beyond funding, the programme is designed to equip
beneficiaries with practical skills and mentorship to enhance sustainability,
reduce youth unemployment and stimulate grassroots economic activity across the
country.