KNCCI, government seal deal to place 130,000 youth in jobs under NYOTA Programme
The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) yesterday entered into a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports under the World Bank-funded NYOTA Programme, in a move aimed at expanding youth employment opportunities across the country.
The framework agreement was signed by Principal Secretary for the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Fikirini Jacobs Katoi, and KNCCI Chief Executive Officer KK Mutai.
The ceremony was witnessed by NYOTA Programme National Project Manager Augustine Mayabi and KNCCI Company Secretary Kihara Njuguna.
Under the agreement, KNCCI has been designated as the Umbrella Employer Organization (UEO) responsible for implementing a nationwide Hands-on Experience Programme targeting 130,000 young people. Of these, 90,000 youth will be placed in the formal sector, while 40,000 will be absorbed into the informal sector.
The programme is designed to provide structured workplace exposure through attachments with both formal employers and artisans, with the aim of equipping participants with practical skills and creating clearer pathways to sustainable employment.
As part of the rollout, KNCCI will implement Phase II of the programme across seven counties: Kakamega, Bungoma, Migori, Siaya, Busia, Kisumu, and Vihiga, focusing on expanding access to work-based learning opportunities for youth in the region.
