The government has announced plans to widen access to the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme, opening the door for university and college students to benefit from the initiative.

Principal Secretary for MSMEs Development Susan Mang’eni said the shift marks a new phase in the programme’s rollout, as authorities move to broaden youth economic participation beyond its initial target group.

Speaking during a government podcast hosted by Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, Mang’eni said NYOTA was initially designed to support young people who had not progressed past secondary school.

However, demand and positive reception across the country have prompted a rethink.

She noted that expanding the programme to higher learning institutions will help tap into a wider pool of young innovators and entrepreneurs.

According to the PS, NYOTA was established to confront the belief that youth lack the capacity to run viable businesses. She said early implementation has demonstrated that with the right backing, young people can build sustainable enterprises across diverse sectors.

Mang’eni added that the initiative deliberately targets high-impact value chains capable of creating jobs, positioning youth at the centre of economic growth.

At the same time, she cautioned applicants against fraudsters seeking to exploit the programme’s popularity.

She urged young people to confirm information through official government platforms and avoid sharing personal details with individuals claiming to fast-track funding through connections.

The planned expansion signals the government’s intention to deepen youth-focused enterprise support as part of broader efforts to tackle unemployment and promote inclusive growth.