Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has dismissed the national government’s National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (Nyota) programme, saying it lacks the capacity to make any meaningful impact on youth empowerment.
Speaking in Kitale town, Mr. Amisi said the initiative, which targets a small number of beneficiaries, is “a public relations stunt” meant to hoodwink Kenyans into believing that the government is empowering the youth.
“The government has a huge budget, yet it wants to deceive Kenyans by saying the Nyota programme has benefited many youth. The truth is, its reach is too limited to make a real difference,” said Amisi.
The legislator called for more sustainable and inclusive approaches to youth empowerment, particularly in marginalized communities.
During the event, he donated KSh 200,000 to support youth groups drawn from Kitale’s informal settlements, urging them to invest in small businesses and income-generating activities.
The MP said he has already invested significant resources in youth and women empowerment programs, noting that youth groups from Matisi and Tuwan wards have received Sh4 million to boost their investment ventures.
Mr. Amisi said genuine empowerment should focus on “creating real economic opportunities, not token projects designed for headlines.”
The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (Nyota) programme, a flagship government initiative under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, has faced mixed reactions since its rollout.
Critics argue that it benefits only a select few while leaving out thousands of unemployed youth struggling to access funding and business opportunities.