The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has called for the inclusion of graduate engineers, technologists, and technicians in the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, which was recently launched by the Kenyan government in partnership with the World Bank.

The program, backed by a Ksh8 billion grant, targets over 820,000 vulnerable youth aged 18-29, including persons with disabilities up to age 35, across 1,450 wards.

“While the NYOTA program targets artisans, we are aware of millions of unemployed graduate engineers, engineering technologists and technicians. We call upon the government to address their plight, too. IEK campaign for employment of 10,000 Engineers provides a practical way of addressing this problem,” the IEK press release reads in part dated October 9, 2025.

NYOTA program overview

NYOTA is designed to provide apprenticeships, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship support, and a savings scheme for youth who are not currently employed, with eligibility extending to individuals with education up to Form Four, including school dropouts.

The initiative has three main components: Business Support, Recognition of Prior Learning, and On-Job Experience.

The Recognition of Prior Learning component aims to certify Kenyan youth skilled in trades such as plumbing, carpentry, masonry, and painting, who previously lacked formal credentials due to unaffordable trade tests.

The initiative is supported by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector and the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA). Additionally, NYOTA plans to provide 90,000 youth with on-the-job experience, support 100,000 entrepreneurs with grants, mentorship, and training, and equip 600,000 individuals with skills to access government contracts through the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) program.

“IEK notes that there are millions of Kenyan Youth who have learned skills, including Plumbing, Carpentry, Masonry, and Painting, among others.”

IEK raises concerns

Despite the program’s broad focus, IEK has highlighted that graduate engineers and related professionals are excluded. The institution notes that many infrastructure projects are awarded to foreign firms that bring in electricians, plumbers, and machine operators, leaving local professionals sidelined. IEK advocates for the employment of 10,000 engineers to help address this gap.

“IEK has raised concerns with infrastructure projects being given to foreigners who are importing electricians, plumbers and machine operators. These tradespeople are available in Kenya. We must create opportunities for them,”

The institution also pointed out the decline in local manufacturing’s contribution to GDP, which fell to 7.6% from 10% in 2015, below the 2030 target of 20%. IEK emphasises that proper implementation, governance, and data-driven decision-making will be critical to the success of NYOTA, drawing lessons from previous programs such as the Hustler Fund.

Industrialisation and job creation

IEK stressed the importance of long-term planning to maximize job creation through value addition in agro-processing and manufacturing for both local and export markets. The organisation says this approach aligns with Kenya’s broader development goals and will ensure that youth participation in the workforce contributes to sustainable economic growth.