Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during an event in Meru on May 23,2025/DPCSDeputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on youth to take advantage of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) empowerment program set to be rolled out by the government.
The DP said NYOTA is tailor-made for small and medium businesses, mostly based at the grassroots but with potential to expand, employ more people and earn higher income for owners.
Speaking on Friday when he inspected the construction of Kamachege Modern Market in Imenti South, Meru County, Kindiki said a total of Sh28 billion has been set aside for the empowerment initiative that aims to boost hustlers as per the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
"Every ward in this country will benefit from this grant and we are targeting small but critical enterprises like salons, barbershops, carpentry, mama mboga and others,” DP stated.
BETA targets enhancing income for those at the bottom of the economic pyramid and ultimately improve their livelihoods.
It is the economic model at the centre of President William Ruto’s administration.
Under Nyota, at least 70 SMEs in each of the 1450 wards will benefit from a grant of Sh50, 000.
“It will go a long way in empowering businesses at the grassroots because as UDA and Kenya Kwanza we believe in Bottom-Up and we will pursue this agenda to the end,” DP assured.
While dismissing those opposed to ongoing empowerment programs, the Deputy President said it is time to change the lives of hard-working Kenyans instead of waiting to take advantage of them during campaigns.
“We will not wait to entice them with free campaign offerings. We are going to empower them now to better their lives without any political motive,” he affirmed.
Other than empowerment, the government is building at least 400 new markets across the country, including Gakoromone Market in Meru town which is the largest among them and will cost Sh800 million.
The DP said the markets will provide decent places for business undertakings across the country.
He urged leaders to be focused, avoid wrangling and perpetual complaining.
“Leaders provide solutions not inciting and complaining like those they lead,” he beseeched.
