Deputy President Kithure Kindiki speaking during the disbursement of NYOTA
fund to youths at Archers Post, Samburu County on January 13, 2026/DPCS
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has framed the NYOTA youth empowerment
programme as a key tool for steering young people away from political
exploitation and social unrest, arguing that economic opportunity is the most
effective response to youth frustration.
Speaking to beneficiaries of the programme, Kindiki said the government’s
focus on enterprise support reflects a deliberate effort to convert Kenya’s
youthful population into a driver of stability and growth rather than a source
of unrest.
“Young people are a great asset of our country because many countries have an ageing population but ours is young and energetic and willing to work to build
our country,” Kindiki said.
He said the administration is fulfilling promises made during the election
campaign by rolling out targeted empowerment programmes that provide both
capital and institutional backing.
According to the Deputy President, such initiatives are meant to give young
people alternatives to political mobilisation that often leads to violence and
destruction.
“The President promised to empower the youths during campaigns and through
NYOTA programme and other empowerment programmes, he is fulfilling the
promise,” Kindiki said.
Under the NYOTA programme, beneficiaries receive Sh50,000 in start-up
capital to establish or expand small businesses.
Kindiki acknowledged criticism over the size of the grant but maintained
that the funding is intended as seed capital that can unlock entrepreneurship
when used responsibly.
“We are giving 50,000 shillings as start-up capital. It will make a huge
difference in their businesses,” he said, adding that the government will
continue to work with beneficiaries to improve their chances of success.
The Deputy President said Kenya’s youth possess diverse talents across
business, academics and sports, and that the state’s role is to create an
enabling environment in which those abilities can translate into livelihoods.
He urged young people to view the programme as a stepping stone rather than
an entitlement.
Kindiki also took aim at opposition leaders, accusing them of mobilising
youth for confrontational politics instead of economic empowerment.
He warned that such approaches undermine both personal progress and national
cohesion.
“Our opponents should stop inciting the youth to destroy the country and to
attack their rivals instead of supporting them to build better livelihoods,” he
said.
He insisted that sustained investment in youth enterprise is central to the
government’s development agenda, saying programmes like NYOTA are designed not
only to reduce unemployment but also to foster social stability by giving young
people a stake in the country’s economic future.