The Kenyan government has introduced the NYOTA AGPO Digital Training Programme, targeting over 600,000 young entrepreneurs, women, and persons with disabilities. The program aims to equip them with skills and knowledge to access government tenders. Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Principal Secretary Susan Mang'eni launched the program, leveraging the success of the ongoing NYOTA project components.
The program is designed to address barriers faced by eligible beneficiaries, including low awareness of AGPO, complex application procedures, low business formalization, and limited enterprise readiness. The government has reserved at least 30% of its annual procurement budget for enterprises owned by youth, women, and persons with disabilities. This translates to not less than Kshs. 300 billion, but absorption remains low.
The NYOTA AGPO Digital Training Programme consists of five self-paced modules delivered over 10 weeks. Each module covers two weeks of coursework and practical sessions. Topics include AGPO foundations, business readiness, bid preparation, and tender documentation. The training is offered free of charge and is available in both English and Kiswahili.
The program aims to widen youth participation in public procurement and facilitate linkages to financing, markets, and digitization. The government has partnered with Safaricom to provide a subsidized data bundle for successful applicants. To enroll, participants can dial the zero-rated USSD Short code *254#, select NYOTA AGPO, and complete the registration steps.
The NYOTA project has already had a significant impact, with over 820,000 beneficiaries expected to be reached. The program's success is attributed to its comprehensive approach, which includes business support, on-job experience, and recognition of prior learning. The government hopes to increase the participation of youth, women, and persons with disabilities in public procurement.
The training program is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, as Kenya's budget is estimated at Kshs. 4.8 trillion, presenting procurable opportunities of not less than Kshs. 1 trillion. The government's efforts to support entrepreneurs and increase access to government procurement opportunities are seen as crucial to promoting economic growth and development.
The NYOTA AGPO Digital Training Programme is a significant step towards promoting youth entrepreneurship and increasing access to government procurement opportunities. With its comprehensive approach and free training, the program is expected to have a lasting impact on the lives of young entrepreneurs, women, and persons with disabilities in Kenya.
Key points
- The program aims to equip 600,000 young entrepreneurs with skills and knowledge to access government tenders.
- The government has reserved at least 30% of its annual procurement budget for enterprises owned by youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
- The training program consists of five self-paced modules delivered over 10 weeks.
