The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) project continues to play a central role in expanding employment and skills development opportunities for young Kenyans. Through structured workplace learning, business support, and skills certification, the programme focuses on youth who face barriers to formal employment. The reopening of applications for Component 1: On-the-Job Experience (OJE) provides a renewed opportunity for thousands of young people to gain practical work exposure, improve employability, and build income pathways.
Table of Contents
Overview of the NYOTA Project
NYOTA Component 1: On-the-Job Experience
Who Can Apply
Programme Structure and Duration
Benefits for Participants
How to Apply
Important Dates and Application Notes
Contact Information
Overview of the NYOTA Project
National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) is a government-led initiative implemented by the State Department for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy. The project targets youth across all 47 counties, with a strong focus on inclusion, employability, and economic participation.
During a press briefing at Talanta Plaza, Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs announced the reopening of applications for the On-the-Job Experience (OJE) programme, which forms Component 1 of the NYOTA project. This component alone targets 90,000 beneficiaries, while the broader NYOTA programme aims to reach 820,000 young people nationwide through multiple interventions.
The project supports national development priorities by strengthening youth skills, improving access to decent work, and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
NYOTA Component 1: On-the-Job Experience
The On-the-Job Experience (OJE) programme focuses on young people who lack formal education or market-ready skills. The intervention offers a structured pathway into the workplace through hands-on learning and supervised industrial placement.
Under the OJE component, beneficiaries receive six months of practical training, followed by six months of industrial attachment. This structure provides one full year of workplace exposure, enabling participants to develop job-relevant skills and professional confidence.
Participants also receive a monthly stipend of KES 6,000 during the training period, easing financial pressure and supporting regular attendance.
Who Can Apply
The NYOTA OJE programme applies clear and inclusive eligibility criteria to reach vulnerable and unemployed youth.
Age Requirements
18 to 29 years for general applicants
Up to 35 years for persons living with disabilities
Employment Status
Unemployed youth
Youth in low-income or vulnerable employment
Education Level
Form Four education or below
Location
Open to youth from all 47 counties
Applicants who applied for the OJE programme during earlier calls do not need to reapply.
Programme Structure and Duration
The OJE intervention follows a step-by-step structure designed to support learning, transition, and employment readiness.
Training Phase
Participants undergo six months of hands-on training in real work environments. This phase emphasizes technical skills, workplace discipline, and task-based learning.
Industrial Placement Phase
Following training, participants enter six months of industrial placement. This phase strengthens job exposure, practical competence, and work ethics while connecting participants with potential employers.
Certification and Savings
Participants benefit from skills certification through the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and access to a safe and structured savings plan, supporting long-term financial discipline.
Benefits for Participants
The NYOTA OJE programme delivers direct and measurable value for participants.
Skills Development
Life skills training focused on communication, teamwork, and problem-solving
Business and digital skills training aligned with current labor market needs
Practical technical skills gained through real work experience
Professional Support
Mentorship from industry experts
Exposure to professional work environments
Improved confidence and workplace readiness
Employment Outcomes
Nationally recognized certification
Improved chances of securing formal employment
Clear pathways to local and international job opportunities
These benefits address both short-term income needs and long-term career development.
How to Apply
Applications for the NYOTA OJE programme have been reopened to allow more youth to participate, including those who missed earlier application windows.
Application Method
Dial *254#
Select NYOTA Project
Follow the on-screen instructions
The application process uses a USSD platform, ensuring access for applicants without smartphones or internet connectivity.
Important Dates and Application Notes
Application Period
Opens: 29 January 2026
Closes: 13 February 2026
Application window runs for two weeks
Key Notes for Applicants
No application fees are required
Applicants should apply only once
Prior applicants under OJE should not reapply
Early application is advised to avoid last-day congestion on the USSD platform.
Contact Information
Applicants seeking further clarification or in-person support can use the official NYOTA contact channels.
Physical Offices
Standard Street, Bruce House, 3rd Floor
National Government Youth Development Offices in county and sub-county locations
Online and Telephone Contacts
Website: www.nyotaproject.go.ke
Email: info@nyotaproject.go.ke
Toll-free line: 0800 222 221
The NYOTA On-the-Job Experience programme offers a practical route for young Kenyans to gain skills, earn income, and improve employment prospects. Eligible youth who meet the criteria and apply within the stated timeline position themselves for structured workplace learning, certification, and long-term career growth.
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