A charged atmosphere marked the Friday gathering in Mombasa as young entrepreneurs, government officials and local leaders converged for an event centred on opportunity and economic promise.
The occasion brought together beneficiaries of a government backed initiative, many of them eager to translate ideas into income generating ventures amid a challenging economic climate.
The meeting, held alongside the disbursement of National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) start up capital, also served as a platform for broader reflections on the place of young people in Kenya’s development journey.
Speakers underscored the need for practical interventions that go beyond rhetoric, particularly for a demographic that continues to face high unemployment and limited access to capital.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who presided over the disbursement, urged leaders and institutions to rethink how they engage with the youth.
He stressed that young people should be recognised as a vital national asset capable of driving growth, innovation and social transformation, rather than being viewed merely as critics or passive participants in public affairs.
Kindiki noted that Kenya’s youthful population presents a unique advantage if properly harnessed through targeted investments, skills development and access to affordable financing.
He said programmes such as NYOTA are designed to unlock this potential by enabling young entrepreneurs to start and expand businesses, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
“The future of this country depends on how we empower our young people today,” the Deputy President said, adding that sustainable development cannot be achieved if the youth are excluded from economic opportunities.
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He called on public and private institutions to work together in creating an environment where young innovators can thrive.
During the event, beneficiaries received start up capital to support ventures across various sectors, including agribusiness, the blue economy, digital services and creative industries.
Government officials explained that the NYOTA programme combines financing with mentorship and business training to improve the chances of long term success.
Kindiki also cautioned against politicising youth issues, arguing that meaningful empowerment requires consistent policy implementation rather than seasonal promises.
He said the government remains committed to rolling out programmes that directly address unemployment and encourage self reliance among young Kenyans.
Local leaders in attendance welcomed the initiative, saying access to capital remains one of the biggest barriers for youth led enterprises, especially in coastal counties.
They urged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly and reinvest profits to grow sustainable businesses.
As the event concluded, optimism was evident among the young entrepreneurs, many expressing hope that the support would mark a turning point in their economic fortunes.
For the government, the Mombasa disbursement was presented as another step in repositioning the youth not as spectators, but as central players in Kenya’s development agenda.
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