3,750 Youth from Kenya's 47 Counties Receives NYOTA RPL Certificates to help them Access Job Opportunities
A total of 3,750 young Kenyans have received certificates recognising their practical skills under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project.
The certificates were issued during an event presided over by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on October 9, 2026. The beneficiaries came from all 47 counties.
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme allows people to receive formal certification for skills acquired through practical work experience, even without following the traditional education system.
The initiative targets skilled young people, including those working in the informal sector, who have experience but lack official documents to prove their abilities.
Ruto Encourages Youth to Use Their Skills to Find Jobs
Speaking during the event, President Ruto said the government wants skilled Kenyans to access job opportunities based on their abilities rather than personal connections.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to use their certificates to seek employment and grow their careers.
The President also urged the young people to save through the NYOTA Project’s Haba Haba savings scheme to help them build financial security.
He said the certificates should mark the beginning of new opportunities rather than the end of the beneficiaries’ journey.
NYOTA Certificates Could Open Doors to International Jobs
Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua said the programme would help young people access opportunities in the labour market.
Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development Shadrack Mwadime said the certificates could also help qualified beneficiaries seek employment abroad, including in European countries where Kenya has labour agreements.
The programme is implemented by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), which assesses practical skills and awards certification to successful candidates.
Youth Say Certificates Will Help Them Find Work
Christine Maloba, one of the beneficiaries, said many young people in the beauty industry and other informal occupations had struggled to secure opportunities because they lacked formal certification.
She said the programme had given skilled workers a way to prove their abilities and improve their chances of accessing jobs and other opportunities.
Another beneficiary, Gideon Cheruiyot, called on the government to establish more partnerships that would help certified youth secure formal employment.
How to Check NYOTA RPL Results
According to the project announcement, beneficiaries who completed the first phase of RPL assessments can check their examination results through the NITA online portal.
The NYOTA Project provides free services to eligible young people aged 18 to 29, with the age limit extending to 35 for persons with disabilities.
The project uses the USSD code *254# to provide information and access to its services.
Important: Applications for all NYOTA components are currently closed, according to the October 9 announcement. Young people should follow official NYOTA and NITA channels for updates on future opportunities.
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