By Shaban Omar
Innovation Principal Secretary Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat has called on Kenyan youth to rally behind President William Ruto’s administration and take full advantage of government empowerment initiatives aimed at improving their livelihoods.
Speaking on Friday, October 24, 2025, during the Nyota Program verification exercise at the Kwale Cultural Centre in Matuga, Prof. Shaukat said the Kenya Kwanza government remains steadfast in creating opportunities for young people through innovation, training, and entrepreneurship programs.
At least 9279 Kwale youth had applied for the Nyota Program.
Shaukat noted that the current administration has prioritized youth empowerment as a key pillar for national transformation, adding that President Ruto’s leadership continues to demonstrate a clear commitment to investing in the country’s young population.
“If we didn’t have leaders who are visionary and who care about us, we wouldn’t have such a program. President William Ruto is that one able leader who believes in empowering the youth,” Prof. Shaukat said.
The PS urged the youth to put their trust in the government and avoid being misled by propaganda or political misinformation that could derail their progress.
He told the youth to stay focused and make use of every opportunity the government presents.
“Rumours and negativity will not help but action and innovation will,” he said.
Prof. Shaukat said that the Nyota Program is part of broader efforts to identify, train, and support young entrepreneurs across the country.
The initiative seeks to link them with funding, mentorship, and markets to promote self-reliance.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga further encouraged the youth to adopt a mindset of resilience and creativity, noting that success in the modern economy demands skills and innovation rather than dependence on white-collar jobs.
Chidzuga urged young people to take full advantage of the Nyota Program and other government empowerment initiatives.
“We cannot all be employed, but through such empowerment programs we can gain valuable skills and access funding to support our small businesses,” she said.
Chidzuga assured the youth that the Nyota Program is genuine and cautioned them against falling for rumours or misinformation meant to discourage participation.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing more empowerment programs that support youth-driven enterprises and ensure that no young person is left behind in Kenya’s economic transformation agenda.
Chidzuga further noted that the Nyota Program verification process is being conducted in a transparent and fair manner, assuring applicants that there is no bias or favoritism in the selection.
“The verification process is free and fair. Even those who may not qualify for this specific program will still benefit from other government initiatives,” she said.
She disclosed that the government is preparing to roll out another project targeting single and young mothers, aimed at empowering them with financial and entrepreneurial support to help them sustain their families.
She further said the government is committed to advancing youth empowerment through the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), emphasizing that the administration is determined to turn ideas and talents into productive ventures.
“The government is committed to ensuring that every young person has access to opportunities that can change their lives. The bottom-up agenda is all about empowering people from the grassroots,” she added.
Kwale County Youth Director Kent Simiyu cautioned young people against taking government programs lightly, urging them to remain proactive and fully engaged in ongoing empowerment initiatives.
He encouraged the youth to make use of government offices at both the county and national levels to seek clarification, ask questions, and verify information about youth projects.
“Do not rely on rumours or second-hand information. Visit the offices, ask questions, and get the right details. The opportunities are there for you,” he advised.
Simiyu also urged the youth to believe in themselves and not be afraid of failure, noting that everyone has unique abilities and opportunities to succeed.
“Don’t fear trying, everyone is blessed differently. What matters is effort and persistence,” he said.
