KYEOP Application Form 2025/2026 NYOTA registration portal. Kenya’s youth unemployment crisis has brought about several government initiatives aiming to empower young people through vocational training, entrepreneurship support, financial literacy, and access to employment.
Some of the programmes supporting this effort include the Kenya Youth Employment Opportunities Project (KYEOP) and the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA).
For 2025/2026, both programmes application forms are out and their registration portals are as well open seeking for young Kenyans interested in vocational training, business grants, savings plans, or formal employment walk through, plus this article gives you everything you need to apply successfully.
What is KYEOP?
Kenya Youth Employment Opportunities Project (KYEOP) was launched by the Kenyan government via the State Department for Youth Affairs as a youth empowerment initiative created to improve employability, boost entrepreneurship, and strengthen community savings.
These programmes offer certification, grants, and apprenticeships across various sectors. Although its earlier cycles have been concluded, the application portal is still active, supporting new applicants for the 2025/2026 cycle.
KYEOP Opportunities 2025/2026
Here are the different category in the Kenya Youth Employment Opportunities Project (KYEOP) which you can apply for.
1. Apprenticeships and Employment
The program offers certified vocational training across multiple trades including ICT, solar technology, plumbing, welding, masonry, food processing, carpentry, hairdressing, fashion design, and more.
The training in this category lasts about five months and leads to a National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) Recognition of Prior Learning certificate.
2. Entrepreneurship and Business Support
NYOTA supports young entrepreneurs by offering mentorship, coaching, business development training, and access to startup capital, which may include grants or linkage to youth funds.
3. Youth Savings
NYOTA encourages financial discipline through savings encouragement, the “Haba Haba” savings scheme, and partnerships with NSSF and SACCOs to help youth gain personal finance and banking skills.
4. Capacity Building for Government Funding
In this category, youth are trained to engage with government funds, tenders, and AGPO programmes, ensuring they are in place to compete for ministerial and opportunities supported by the government.
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Eligibility Criteria for KYEOP Application
Both KYEOP and NYOTA follows the eligibility criteria below enroll Kenyan youth:
- Must be a Kenyan citizen aged 18–29, or 18–35 for persons with disabilities
- Should not have advanced beyond Form 4 education
- Possession of a valid National ID and a SIM card registered in your name
- You should be unemployed, underemployed, or in low income employment at the application time
- Not a beneficiary of another government youth programme (for NYOTA Cycle 1)
KYEOP 2025 Application Steps
Follow either these methods to successfully submit application for KYEOP/NYOTA program.
1. Online Application
- Visit the official portals: KYEOP at kyeop.go.ke and NYOTA at nyotaproject.go.ke.
- Scroll below to locate “Application Form 2025/2026” or “Cycle 9 Registration” on the homepage of both portals.
- Select your desired opportunity (apprenticeship, start-up support, savings programme, or capacity building).
- Fill in your personal and education details, verify eligibility, and submit the application.
- Concerning shortlist details, information will be communicated via the portal or SMS.
2. USSD Application (for NYOTA)
Dial *254# on any Safaricom line, select the NYOTA Project, and follow the prompts. While on this, ensure the SIM and National ID are verified and linked together.
Alternative methods include visiting the nearest County or Sub-County offices for support or asking your Youth Development Officer (YDO) or CPC for assistance.
Important Deadlines for Application
According to the Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA) who are managing the NYOTA project, the application deadline for either of these programs is 15th May 2025. Endeavour to submit your application on or before the set closing date to avoid disqualification.
Next Steps After Application
Once you have completed the application phase, the following steps are to be proceeded with:
- Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via SMS or email and may be asked to attend orientation sessions.
- Enrolled apprentices will begin training; entrepreneurs receive mentoring, business kits, and possible seed grants.
- Most NYOTA beneficiaries are listed publicly via PDF, hence you can check your status on the portal or download from the NYOTA media centre.
Conclusion
The KYEOP and NYOTA programmes are opportunities for Kenya’s youth, with both providing access to certified training, business development, savings schemes, and competitive funding, all to empower young individuals with skills and opportunities.
Check the eligibility criteria, and if you meet them as stated, take advantage of the opportunity by applying through online or USSD following the steps we have provided on this page.