Jubilee deputy party leader Fred Matiang’i has criticised President William Ruto’s handling of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) youth empowerment programme, raising fresh questions over accountability, governance, and the use of public resources in the World Bank-backed initiative.

Speaking during a local radio interview on Thursday, April 30, 2026, Matiang’i suggested that Kenya was uniquely witnessing direct presidential involvement in programme implementation, unlike other African countries participating in similar projects, amid growing political tension over the fund’s rollout across the country.

Matiang’i said the structure and execution of the NYOTA programme had raised concerns, particularly around its management and expenditure patterns. He argued that the president’s visible nationwide tours for the initiative blurred the line between state policy delivery and political branding.

“Look at the NYOTA programme and all African countries, such as Benin and Angola, that are associated with the project. It is only in Kenya that the president has involved himself in running across the country, saying it is the government’s initiative, while the funds are a World Bank grant,” he said.

He further questioned the cost implications of the rollout across the country, citing heavy logistical spending.

“The resources that are spent there are incredible: choppers, per diems, fueling cars for a country our size, and we have borrowed.”

Even as criticism mounts, President Ruto has defended his direct engagement with NYOTA disbursement forums, arguing that his involvement is driven by urgency in addressing youth unemployment and financial inclusion.

Speaking in Garissa on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the President dismissed critics, insisting his focus was on delivering opportunities to young people.

“I have come here myself. Not because I lack work. Not because of many other things. It is because of matters of young people. The empowerment of young people through financial inclusion and job creation is of such importance to me. That is why I take time to do this,” the president said.

“I hear many people trying to lecture me. They say the President should be doing something else. You go and do that other job. I am coming to do the work of these young people,” he said.

Ruto also hit back at his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, who had slammed him over his oversight role in the programme.

“The one trying to tell me to do another job is an idler. You are an idler. You have no work to do. Your work is to roam around shouting ‘wantam, Kasongo, I don’t know what’. Then you dare to come and lecture me.”

Muturi slams Ruto

Moreover, former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi also intensified the political debate, accusing the administration of misusing intelligence structures and misleading young people through NYOTA registration drives.

Speaking during a rally in Igembe North, Meru County, Muturi warned that the programme risked political manipulation and donor mistrust.

“Sasa Kasongo badala ashugulike mambo hiyo ya usalama, ameunda kikundi kinaitwa Coalition of Opposition Youth League ambacho ati wanataka kuja kuandikisha nyinyi, akiwadanganya ati iko pesa ya NYOTA,” he said, claiming that Ruto plans to enrol five million youths through the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

“Anataka kuandikisha vijana millioni tano, kupitia National Intelligence Service (NIS).”

The NYOTA programme, launched with World Bank support, targets 820,000 unemployed youths aged 18 to 29, including persons with disabilities up to age 35.

It offers apprenticeships, business grants, digital skills training, and savings support, with a total budget of Ksh33 billion over five years.

Muturi warned international partners against possible misuse:

“Na ndio tunatahadharisha, we want to warn the World Bank that your programme of National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement is in danger of being misused by William Ruto, the president of Kenya,” he said.

As competing political narratives intensify, the NYOTA programme has become a flashpoint in Kenya’s broader debate on youth empowerment, public finance accountability, and the political role of executive-led development initiatives.