Nyeri: The government has hired an additional 24,000 tutors this month to address staffing gaps in public schools, President Dr. William Ruto has announced. Speaking at Kabiruini grounds in Nyeri on Monday, Dr. Ruto said the additional teachers will ensure no learner in the country misses out on education due to a shortage of tutors.
According to Kenya News Agency, the government has also increased the budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Education from Sh500 billion during the last financial year to Sh702 billion. This increase aims to support the transition from the defunct 8-4-4 system to the Competency-based Education Curriculum (CBEC). Dr. Ruto emphasized the importance of education, stating, “We have enhanced the money for our education from Sh500 billion to Sh702 billion this year because education is important. It is the single biggest empowerment you can give the young people.”
A total of 6,000 youth from Nyeri, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga, and Murang’a received Sh25,000 each under the NYOTA Business Support segment. The President described the programme as a significant initiative in addressing the challenges faced by unemployed young people and providing them with alternative income sources. He emphasized that Kenya’s growth relies on empowering its citizens to become self-reliant, highlighting the need to invest in the country’s human capital.
Dr. Ruto outlined the NYOTA programme as one of the government’s comprehensive strategies to address youth challenges, alongside the Affordable Housing Program, Hustler Fund, Digital Superhighway, and Creative Economy initiatives. The government aims to reach 820,000 young people through the NYOTA programme, encouraging them to seize the opportunity to build a stable economic future. Additionally, the government plans to enroll 110,000 young Kenyans without formal education in craft courses to help them establish their businesses. At least 20,000 beneficiaries will receive a Sh6,000 monthly stipend to cover basic expenses while attending training.
The NYOTA programme, a five-year initiative by the Government of Kenya and the World Bank, seeks to improve youth employability by creating job opportunities through apprenticeships, fostering entrepreneurship, social enterprises, and expanding financial security. It targets 820,000 vulnerable and unemployed youth from 1,450 wards across all 47 counties, focusing on those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Eligible applicants should be aged between 18 and 29 years, with the age limit extended to 35 for persons with disabilities. The programme comprises three main pillars: On-the-Job Experience, Recognition of Prior Learning, and business support, which includes extending start-up capital and training on securing government tenders.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy President Professor Kindiki Kithure, CSs Salim Mvurya (Sports) and Dr. Alfred Mutua (Labour), Governors Dr. Mutahi Kahiga and Dr. Kairie Badilisha (Nyandarua), Kikuyu lawmaker Kimani Ichung’wa, and other dignitaries.
