Last Updated on October 7, 2025 by Turkana County News Online
Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus has instructed all field administrators in Turkana County to fully support the implementation of the Nyota Program, a national youth empowerment initiative targeting vulnerable young people across Kenya.
Enrollment for the program will run from October 6 to 12, 2025.
Dr. Erus gave the directive during the official county launch of the program held at the Lodwar Vocational and Training Centre, an event officiated by Principal Secretary for the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Susan Mang’eni, and attended by Turkana County Commissioner Julius Kavita and Turkana Central MP Emathe Namuar.
The Deputy Governor emphasized that county administrators from the sub-county to village levels must collaborate closely with national government officers to ensure that all eligible youth are informed and registered.
“I direct sub-county, ward, and village administrators to work hand in hand with national government officials to sensitize and register youth for the program,” he stated.
Dr. Erus reaffirmed the county’s commitment to not only meet but exceed the national enrollment targets. He highlighted Turkana’s strong public mobilization systems, noting that local leaders and partners play a key role in sensitization efforts, especially in remote areas where internet access is limited.
“This approach has helped us effectively reach out to young people who lack network connectivity,” he added.
The Deputy Governor also instructed administrators to maintain accurate and traceable records of beneficiaries to help assess the program’s impact. He assured that the county would continue complementing the national initiative through its own youth and women empowerment funds, including the Youth and Women Fund and the Enterprise Development Fund.
“We aim to exceed our target because our youth urgently need these opportunities to break the cycle of poverty and improve their livelihoods,” said Dr. Erus.
On her part, PS Susan Mang’eni outlined the five-year Nyota Program as a national plan designed to offer grants, skills training, and business development support to youth aged 18–29 years. She encouraged Turkana youth to take full advantage of the program by registering in large numbers.
She noted that the initiative seeks to reach over 820,000 young Kenyans nationwide, promoting employability, entrepreneurship, and a savings culture through the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA). She also clarified that persons with disabilities are eligible up to 35 years of age.
Additionally, PS Mang’eni urged those who had already registered during the March 2025 rollout not to reapply, as their information is already captured in the system.
