By Christopher Omondi.
The youth of Seme Constituency in Kisumu County are raising concerns about the implementation of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) projects in their community. This initiative aims to empower Kenyan youth aged 18 to 29 years (up to 35 years for persons with disabilities) through skills training, entrepreneurship support, and financial empowerment.
Among the issues raised by the youth, who are primarily challenged by unemployment, are the selection criteria, various technical problems with the system, and a lack of transparency regarding NYOTA activities. Derrick Oguna stated, “In Seme Constituency, we are facing multiple technical glitches with the system. We encounter challenges even in verifying the identities of participants at training centers, and we have not received notifications on our phones as promised. This has left us clueless about crucial project details. Additionally, there is a problem with the selection criteria, as it excludes many individuals with higher education levels than the required Form 4 or below.”
He further mentioned the limited digital access related to internet connectivity and infrastructure, which hinders the registration and application process. Some potential beneficiaries may need further training and support to develop the necessary digital skills. Furthermore, there is no verification of the employment status of beneficiaries, making it difficult for the initiative to positively impact the community.
Residents believe that for the initiative to be effective in Seme Sub-County, certain solutions should be implemented. “The government should organize community outreach programs and improve digital access by establishing digital hubs to provide internet connectivity. Additionally, local media should be utilized to educate the youth about this project, as other areas like Pith Korumba, Holo, and Kombewa also suffer from poor internet connectivity and infrastructure challenges.
The State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, is collaborating with the World Bank to implement the NYOTA project. However, partnering with local financial institutions could enhance transparency when providing necessary verification details while also offering financial literacy and accessible banking services. Finally, there should be capacity-building initiatives to provide training and mentorship aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship and business skills.”
