The Principal Secretary for Cabinet Affairs, Mr. Idris Dokota, today led the NYOTA Validation Exercise across Garsen, Hola, and Bura in Tana River County, reaffirming the government’s commitment to empowering Kenyan youth through inclusive and transformative development initiatives.
The exercise brought together government officers, local administrators, and youth representatives from across Tana River County, marking a significant milestone in the rollout of the NYOTA Project—one of the flagship programmes under the visionary leadership of President Dr. William Ruto.
Speaking during the exercise, PS Dokota described the NYOTA Project as “an ambitious and transformative initiative designed to equip young Kenyans with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive in an increasingly dynamic economy.”
He emphasized that the project embodies the administration’s broader agenda of skills enhancement, enterprise development, and financial inclusion, key pillars in driving Kenya’s economic transformation.
“Kenya’s youth are not only the majority but also the backbone of our nation’s future — the innovators, creators, and leaders who will drive sustainable growth for generations to come,” PS Dokota noted.
Principal Secretary for Cabinet Affairs @IdrisDokota on Friday, led the NYOTA Validation Exercise across Garsen, Hola, and Bura in Tana River County, reaffirming the government’s commitment to youth empowerment, enterprise development, and financial inclusion.
The NYOTA Project… pic.twitter.com/e1q2kGN1gM
— Frontier Online (@FrontierOnlineK) October 24, 2025
The validation exercise serves as a critical step in ensuring that the NYOTA Project remains transparent, inclusive, and accountable, verifying the authenticity of applications submitted by youth seeking to participate in the empowerment programme.
The process aims to guarantee fairness and credibility in beneficiary selection, ensuring that opportunities reach deserving youth without bias or compromise.
PS Dokota commended the energy, curiosity, and ambition demonstrated by the youth of Tana River, noting that their optimism reflects the untapped potential that exists within Kenya’s counties.
“Many of the young men and women we engaged with are ready to explore entrepreneurship, embrace innovation, and take charge of their economic destiny,” he said. “The NYOTA Project seeks to unlock and nurture this potential.”
Through the NYOTA framework, participants will benefit from tailored training programmes, entrepreneurship and business development courses, and access to financial services, mentorship, and start-up support—creating a comprehensive ecosystem for youth-led enterprise growth.
The PS underscored that the success of the NYOTA initiative depends on strong collaboration between the national and county governments, as well as development partners, to ensure that young people across Kenya are not left behind in the pursuit of prosperity.
“In Tana River County, this validation exercise represents more than a routine administrative process — it symbolizes hope, empowerment, and a renewed social contract between the government and its citizens,” PS Dokota remarked.
“True development is about people — their dreams, dignity, and drive to contribute meaningfully to the growth of our nation.”
He encouraged young people across the country to seize the opportunities presented by the NYOTA Project, participate actively, and use their talents to create sustainable solutions that uplift their communities.
Following the validation phase, PS Dokota confirmed that the rollout of the remaining components of the NYOTA Programme will commence immediately, advancing the government’s agenda of youth empowerment and sustainable economic inclusion through coordinated, transparent, and technology-driven interventions.
“Together, we can build a Kenya where every youth is empowered, every effort is rewarded, and every dream is within reach,” he concluded.
