NYOTA Programme Aims to Transform Lives of Young Kenyans, Says President Ruto

Kenya, 18 April 2026 - President William Ruto has told off those criticising his direct involvement in the rollout of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) capital programme. 

President Ruto said the programme is the most consequential that aims to transform the lives of young Kenyans, saying he  has no regrets about personally overseeing the initiative across the country.

He said his decision to personally oversee the disbursement of funds was a demonstration of the importance his administration attaches to the youth.

Speaking at Mandera Stadium during the disbursement of KSh 63 million ($488,070) to 2,520 from the county, the Head of State said his presence is a clear demonstration that his administration is keen to youth empowerment, financial inclusion and job creation. 

“I personally attend these NYOTA meetings to see the disbursement of the funds to you because you are important and you matter. Your destiny is important to me, to your parents, and to the nation of Kenya,” said President Ruto. 

He went on: "NYOTA is the single most consequential programme any nation can undertake."

Additionally, the Head of State  pointed out that the government had made a deliberate effort to place young people at the centre of economic transformation, noting that they hold the key to the country’s future.

"For the first time in the history of this country, the government has come up with a deliberate, intentional and practical plan for the empowerment of our young people across the country," said President Ruto. 

At the same time, President Ruto said the government has come up with a comprehensive delivery of relief food as a short-term measure to address famine in Northern Kenya among other parts of the country affected by drought. 

He said the government has allocated KSh 10 billion to buy relief food and livestock feeds  saying the move will ensure no one dies of starvation or livestock lost. 

"Those who stole relief food have been sacked and therefore have no moral authority to lecture the government over distribution of relief food to Kenyans affected by drought," said President Ruto. 

As a long-term measure to address perennial drought,  the Head of State said under the National Infrastructure Fund, the government plans to construct 50 mega dams, 200 medium ones and 1,000 micro dams nationwide  to pave way for irrigation of at least 2.5 million acres.

The President noted that a significant number of these dams will be built in the Northeastern region to address the persistent water shortage and support irrigation.

Furthermore,  to address the problem of electricity shortage in Mandera, and Wajir Counties,  President Ruto said  the government is initiating the urgent installation and hiring of additional diesel-powered generators.