• Position Title: NYOTA Fund Beneficiary (Business Support, On-the-Job Experience, Recognition of Prior Learning, Youth Savings)
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya (Nationwide, 1,450 wards)
• Employment Type: Grant Program (Non-Repayable, 5-Year Initiative)
• Number of Vacancies: 100,000+ (70 per ward)
• Compensation: KES 50,000 Non-Repayable Grant (KES 25,000 after training, KES 25,000 after milestones); monthly stipend for OJE; NSSF Haba Haba savings (KES 1,000 monthly contribution for 6 months).
• Category/Department: Youth Empowerment / Entrepreneurship
• Reporting To: Ministry of Labour and Social Protection / MSEA Trainers
• Application Deadline: Ongoing (Apply via *254#; training starts post-selection)

---

Introduction

The NYOTA Fund: KES 50K Youth Grant & Training Project is a government-backed initiative empowering Kenyan youth aged 18-29 (up to 35 for disabilities) to start or expand businesses, gain work experience, or certify skills, in Nairobi’s vibrant youth development sector. Ideal for unemployed/underemployed individuals with KCSE or below, this program offers a KES 50,000 non-repayable grant, mandatory training, and savings under NSSF Haba Haba. As a beneficiary, you’ll access entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and placements, aligning with the Ministry’s mission to create opportunities in Kenya’s KES 100 billion youth economy. This grant suits innovative, resilient youth ready to tackle unemployment, offering transformative support in a nationwide, inclusive program.

---

About NYOTA Fund (Ministry of Labour and Social Protection)

NYOTA Fund (National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement), launched in 2024 and funded by the World Bank, is a 5-year program implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, targeting 100,000+ youth across 1,450 wards. Supporting 70 beneficiaries per ward, NYOTA manages a KES 5 billion budget, achieving 90% training completion (2024 estimates), contributing to Kenya’s KES 50 billion youth empowerment sector, aligned with Vision 2030’s job creation goals through partnerships with MSEA and NSSF.

NYOTA fosters a culture of equity and innovation, rated 4.2/5 for accessibility on reviews. For NYOTA Fund Beneficiaries, the program offers 4-day mandatory training, digital selection, and savings enrollment, creating a platform where your ideas build sustainable livelihoods in a diverse, supportive environment.

---

Key Responsibilities

As a NYOTA Fund Beneficiary, you will participate in training and apply for funding. Core components include:

Component	Description
Business Support	Receive KES 50K grant for viable ideas after training and milestones.
On-the-Job Experience (OJE)	Gain skills through placements in matching companies, earning a stipend and certificate.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)	Get certified for informal skills (e.g., welding, tailoring) to apply for jobs or businesses.
Youth Savings	Automatic enrollment in NSSF Haba Haba; NYOTA contributes KES 1,000 monthly for 6 months.

---

Qualifications and Skills

The NYOTA Fund requires specific qualifications and competencies, as outlined:

Category	Requirements
Eligibility	Kenyan citizen, aged 18-29 (up to 35 for disabilities), unemployed/underemployed, KCSE or below; SIM registered to ID.
Experience	No prior experience required; viable business idea or skill for RPL/OJE.
Soft Skills	Resilience, innovation, commitment to training.
Additional	Willingness to save via NSSF; no tertiary education (graduates apply for other programs like Ajira Digital).

---

Program Culture and Values

NYOTA Fund fosters an equitable, empowering culture rooted in opportunity, innovation, and community, reflecting the Ministry’s youth mandate. With 100,000+ beneficiaries, NYOTA promotes diversity through ward-based selection and inclusive training, encouraging collaboration via mentorship and MSEA partnerships. Values of fairness and sustainability guide operations, with beneficiaries central to economic transformation.

NYOTA supports growth with 4-day entrepreneurship training and ongoing monitoring, creating a program rated 4.0/5 for accessibility. For NYOTA Fund Beneficiaries, this means thriving in a supportive ecosystem where your ideas spark self-reliance, aligned with Vision 2030, offering a fulfilling path to advancement.

---

How to Apply

Apply now for the NYOTA Fund on your mobile phone.

Dial *254# and select NYOTA Project option. Enter:

1. ID number (must match SIM registration).
2. Age, education level (KCSE or below).
3. Choose intervention (Business Support/OJE/RPL).

Receive SMS confirmation. Shortlisted notified via SMS for training. No fees. Do not send to JobKenya.org. Note: Grant non-repayable; program determines final selection.

---

Additional Engagement

View More Job Opportunities
Explore more opportunities at https://jobkenya.org.

Free WhatsApp Channel for Job Seekers
Get real-time alerts from our WhatsApp Channel for Job Updates: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAvng36RGJC2TlYSW3N.

---

Tags

NYOTA Fund, Youth Grant Jobs Nairobi, Ministry Labour Careers, Entrepreneurship Training Roles, OJE RPL Positions, Full-Time Youth Empowerment Vacancies, Nairobi Savings Program, Business Support Grants, Kenya Vision 2030 Youth, MSME Digital Infrastructure

---

Expert Tips for Success as a NYOTA Fund Beneficiary: A Shortlister’s Perspective

As a recruiter shortlisting for the NYOTA Fund program, I prioritize applications that demonstrate alignment with the initiative’s demands—viable business ideas, training commitment, and eligibility in Eastern/Southern Africa. With a 60% rejection rate due to incomplete *254# submissions or mismatched ID/SIM, these 10 tips are designed to place your application in the top 10% by showcasing your KCSE certificate and resilience. Each tip provides realistic, impactful examples for your application, follow-up, and training interview, explaining why they work from a shortlister’s perspective.

Tip 1: Lead with a Viable Business Idea Pitch

Why It Works:

Shortlisters seek NYOTA Fund Beneficiaries with feasible ideas, a core criterion for grant selection. A clear, concise pitch in your confirmation follow-up (e.g., “Eco-friendly horticulture venture serving 50 local markets”) stands out, proving your vision. Specificity demonstrates readiness, aligning with the Ministry’s entrepreneurship focus.

Application Note Example:
“Viable idea: Sustainable vegetable farming for 20 rural households, generating KES 100K monthly post-training.”
Why: This showcases your idea viability, aligning with NYOTA’s business support needs.

Follow-Up Email Example:
“As a NYOTA Fund Beneficiary applicant, my poultry farming idea targets 30 local buyers, preparing me for the 4-day training.”
Why: It links your idea to the program’s requirements, showing selectors your preparedness.

Training Interview Example:
“As a NYOTA Fund Beneficiary applicant, my tailoring business will employ 4 youth, aligning with the program’s goals.”
Why: This concise pitch highlights your idea with clarity, making you a strong candidate.

How to Do It:

In your *254# confirmation SMS reply, briefly pitch your idea (1-2 sentences). In follow-up emails, connect it to training benefits. Practice a 30-second interview story with idea details. Attach a redacted business plan sketch to your portfolio. Follow up 3 days post-application with an email emphasizing the Ministry’s empowerment focus. Network via Kenya Youth Entrepreneurs on LinkedIn for idea examples.

Tip 2: Highlight KCSE Eligibility with an Education Example

Why It Works:

KCSE or below is a strict eligibility for NYOTA Fund Beneficiaries, and shortlisters prioritize compliant applicants. A clear mention of your KCSE grade (e.g., C- or below) in your application note proves fit, avoiding ID/SIM mismatches. Specificity demonstrates understanding, aligning with the program’s youth focus.

Application Note Example:
“KCSE C- in 2020, unemployed, ready for business training in poultry farming.”
Why: This confirms eligibility, aligning with NYOTA’s education criteria.

Follow-Up Email Example:
“As a NYOTA Fund Beneficiary applicant with KCSE D+, I meet the criteria for the OJE placement in horticulture.”
Why: It links your education to the program’s requirements, showing selectors your compliance.

Training Interview Example:
“As a NYOTA Fund Beneficiary applicant, my KCSE C in 2019 qualifies me for RPL certification in tailoring.”
Why: This concise mention highlights your eligibility with clarity, making you a strong candidate.

How to Do It:

In your *254# form, accurately enter KCSE details. In follow-ups, reiterate eligibility. Practice a 30-second interview story with education tie-in. Attach a redacted KCSE certificate to your portfolio. Follow up 3 days post-application with an email emphasizing the Ministry’s youth focus. Network via Kenya KCSE-Eligible Entrepreneurs on LinkedIn for eligibility examples.

Tip 3: Demonstrate Resilience with a Barrier Overcoming Example

Why It Works:

Resilience in overcoming barriers is valued for NYOTA Fund Beneficiaries, and shortlisters prioritize candidates who show grit. A specific example of overcoming (e.g., “Turned informal vending into KES 20K/month business”) demonstrates drive, a key shortlisting factor. Metrics show your ability to persist, aligning with the program’s underemployment focus.

Application Note Example:
“Overcame unemployment by self-teaching farming, earning KES 15K monthly from small plots.”
Why: This demonstrates resilience, aligning with NYOTA’s underemployed youth needs.

Follow-Up Email Example:
“As a NYOTA Fund Beneficiary applicant, I overcame market access barriers by networking with 3 local buyers, preparing me for grant-funded expansion.”
Why: It connects your resilience to the program’s requirements, showing selectors your grit.

Training Interview Example:
“As a NYOTA Fund Beneficiary applicant, I overcame funding barriers by saving KES 10K from informal work, aligning with the program’s standards.”
Why: This story highlights your resilience with metrics, making you a strong candidate.

How to Do It:

In your *254# confirmation, briefly note a barrier overcome. In follow-ups, tie it to training benefits. Practice a 30-second interview story with specific resilience. Attach a redacted resilience narrative to your portfolio. Follow up 3 days post-application with an email emphasizing the Ministry’s drive focus. Network via Kenya Resilient Youth on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 4: Highlight Training Commitment with a Learning Example

Why It Works:

Commitment to 4-day training is mandatory for NYOTA Fund Beneficiaries, and shortlisters prioritize candidates who show eagerness. A specific example of learning (e.g., completed 80% online course) demonstrates readiness, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics show your ability to engage, aligning with the program’s mandatory training.

Application Note Example:
“Completed 80% of free entrepreneurship course on YouTube, ready for NYOTA’s 4-day training.”
Why: This demonstrates readiness, aligning with NYOTA’s training needs.

Follow-Up Email Example:
“As a NYOTA Fund Beneficiary applicant, I completed 75% of a financial literacy module, preparing me for the program’s mandatory training.”
Why: It links your learning to the program’s requirements, showing selectors your eagerness.

Training Interview Example:
“As a NYOTA Fund Beneficiary applicant, I finished 70% of a business course, aligning with the program’s standards.”
Why: This concise story highlights your readiness with metrics, making you a strong candidate.

How to Do It:

In your *254# confirmation, mention prior learning. In follow-ups, tie it to training benefits. Practice a 30-second interview story with specific learning. Attach a redacted course certificate to your portfolio. Follow up 3 days post-application with an email emphasizing the Ministry’s training focus. Network via Kenya Training-Ready Youth on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 5: Demonstrate Local Ward Engagement with a Community Example

Why It Works:

Engagement in local wards is prioritized for NYOTA Fund Beneficiaries, and shortlisters value candidates with community ties. A specific example of engagement (e.g., led 20 local events) shows fit, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ward connection, aligning with the program’s ward-based selection.

Application Note Example:
“Led 20 youth events in my ward, engaging 100 locals for community savings.”
Why: This demonstrates community fit, aligning with NYOTA’s ward needs.

Follow-Up Email Example:
“As a NYOTA Fund Beneficiary applicant from Ward X, I organized 15 local meetings for 80 youth, preparing me for the program’s ward selection.”
Why: It connects your engagement to the program’s requirements, showing selectors your local ties.

Training Interview Example:
“As a NYOTA Fund Beneficiary applicant, I engaged 50 ward residents in farming, aligning with the program’s standards.”
Why: This story highlights your community ties with metrics, making you a strong candidate.

How to Do It:

In your *254# form, mention ward involvement. In follow-ups, tie it to ward selection. Practice a 30-second interview story with specific engagement. Attach a redacted community log to your portfolio. Follow up 3 days post-application with an email emphasizing the Ministry’s ward focus. Network via Kenya Ward Youth Leaders on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 6: Highlight Viable Business Idea with a Plan Example

Why It Works:

A viable business idea is crucial for NYOTA Fund Beneficiaries, and shortlisters prioritize candidates with feasible plans. A specific example of a plan (e.g., “KES 30K startup for tailoring with 50 clients”) shows practicality, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your idea’s potential, aligning with the program’s grant criteria.

Application Note Example:
“Viable idea: Tailoring business serving 50 local clients, projecting KES 40K monthly post-grant.”
Why: This demonstrates practicality, aligning with NYOTA’s business support needs.

Follow-Up Email Example:
“As a NYOTA Fund Beneficiary applicant, my poultry plan targets 20 households for KES 30K monthly, preparing me for the grant’s milestones.”
Why: It links your idea to the program’s requirements, showing selectors your potential.

Training Interview Example:
“As a NYOTA Fund Beneficiary applicant, my farming plan will employ 3 youth, aligning with the program’s standards.”
Why: This concise pitch highlights your practicality with metrics, making you a strong candidate.

How to Do It:

In your *254# confirmation, briefly outline your idea. In follow-ups, tie it to milestones. Practice a 30-second interview pitch with plan details. Attach a redacted plan sketch to your portfolio. Follow up 3 days post-application with an email emphasizing the Ministry’s idea focus. Network via Kenya Viable Business Applicants on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 7: Demonstrate Financial Literacy with a Savings Example

Why It Works:

Financial literacy for NSSF Haba Haba is mandatory for NYOTA Fund Beneficiaries, and shortlisters prioritize candidates who show saving habits. A specific example of literacy (e.g., saved KES 10K monthly) demonstrates readiness, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics show your commitment, aligning with the program’s savings goals.

Application Note Example:
“Saved KES 10K monthly from informal work, ready for NSSF Haba Haba contributions.”
Why: This demonstrates readiness, aligning with NYOTA’s savings needs.

Follow-Up Email Example:
“As a NYOTA Fund Beneficiary applicant, I saved KES 8K monthly, preparing me for the program’s Haba Haba enrollment.”
Why: It connects your habits to the program’s requirements, showing selectors your commitment.

Training Interview Example:
“As a NYOTA Fund Beneficiary applicant, I managed KES 5K savings monthly, aligning with the program’s standards.”
Why: This story highlights your readiness with metrics, making you a strong candidate.

How to Do It:

In your *254# form, mention prior savings. In follow-ups, tie it to Haba Haba. Practice a 30-second interview story with specific habits. Attach a redacted savings log to your portfolio. Follow up 3 days post-application with an email emphasizing the Ministry’s savings focus. Network via Kenya Financially Literate Youth on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 8: Highlight Disability Inclusion with a Support Example

Why It Works:

Inclusion for disabilities (up to 35 years) is key for NYOTA Fund Beneficiaries, and shortlisters prioritize candidates who leverage extended eligibility. A specific example of support (e.g., led 20 adaptive events) shows resilience, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to thrive, aligning with the program’s equity goals.

Application Note Example:
“Disability (vision impairment); led 20 adaptive youth groups, ready for RPL certification.”
Why: This demonstrates resilience, aligning with NYOTA’s inclusion needs.

Follow-Up Email Example:
“As a NYOTA Fund Beneficiary applicant with disability, I adapted 15 events for 50 youth, preparing me for the program’s 35-year eligibility.”
Why: It connects your experience to the program’s requirements, showing selectors your resilience.

Training Interview Example:
“As a NYOTA Fund Beneficiary applicant with disability, I facilitated 10 inclusive sessions, aligning with the program’s standards.”
Why: This story highlights your resilience with metrics, making you a strong candidate.

How to Do It:

In your *254# form, mention disability if applicable. In follow-ups, tie it to inclusion benefits. Practice a 30-second interview story with specific support. Attach a redacted inclusion log to your portfolio. Follow up 3 days post-application with an email emphasizing the Ministry’s equity focus. Network via Kenya Disability Youth Leaders on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 9: Demonstrate Community Engagement with a Ward Example

Why It Works:

Ward-based engagement is prioritized for NYOTA Fund Beneficiaries, and shortlisters value candidates with local ties. A specific example of engagement (e.g., organized 20 ward events) shows community fit, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ward connection, aligning with the program’s selection goals.

Application Note Example:
“Organized 20 youth events in Ward X, engaging 100 locals for savings awareness.”
Why: This demonstrates community fit, aligning with NYOTA’s ward-based needs.

Follow-Up Email Example:
“As a NYOTA Fund Beneficiary applicant from Ward Y, I organized 15 events for 80 youth, preparing me for the program’s community selection.”
Why: It connects your engagement to the program’s requirements, showing selectors your local ties.

Interview Example:
“As a NYOTA Fund Beneficiary applicant, I engaged 50 ward residents in farming, aligning with the program’s standards.”
Why: This story highlights your community ties with metrics, making you a strong candidate.

How to Do It:

In your *254# form, mention ward engagement. In follow-ups, tie it to community selection. Practice a 30-second interview story with specific engagement. Attach a redacted community log to your portfolio. Follow up 3 days post-application with an email emphasizing the Ministry’s ward focus. Network via Kenya Ward Community Leaders on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 10: Craft a Concise, Passion-Driven Interview Talk

Why It Works:

Shortlisters prioritize NYOTA Fund Beneficiaries who show enthusiasm and alignment with the program’s mission of youth advancement. A concise, 1-minute talk linking your idea to NYOTA’s goals (e.g., job creation) makes you memorable and demonstrates fit. Referencing the 70-per-ward selection shows research, a key shortlisting factor.

*CV Example (Summary Statement):
“Resilient NYOTA Fund Beneficiary applicant with KCSE C-, overcoming unemployment through informal vending (KES 20K/month), eager to scale with the program’s KES 50K grant.”
*Why:* This sets a strong tone, aligning your story with NYOTA’s mission.

Cover Letter Example:
“With KCSE D+ and experience vending to 30 clients, I’m passionate about NYOTA’s 70-per-ward grant to launch my tailoring business, creating 3 jobs.”
Why: It conveys enthusiasm and ties your idea to NYOTA’s goals, making your application compelling.

Interview Example:
“As a NYOTA Fund Beneficiary applicant, I saved KES 10K from vending and plan to use the grant for poultry, employing 2 youth, and I’m excited for the program’s training.”
Why: This talk connects your experience to NYOTA’s needs, showing passion and readiness for interviews.

How to Do It:

Craft a 1-minute talk highlighting your background, a key resilience example (e.g., “KES 10K savings”), and passion for NYOTA’s mission. Include it in your follow-up email’s closing and rehearse for training interviews. Dress in professional attire, arrive early, and bring a folder with your KCSE certificate and business idea sketch. Reference the 70-per-ward structure. Follow up with an email emphasizing the Ministry’s advancement vision. Network via Kenya NYOTA Applicants on LinkedIn for insights.

---

—-END OF JOB DESCRIPTION—-