Ruto’s Machakos NYOTA Rollout Postponed Until Further Notice.
The government has postponed President William Ruto’s planned NYOTA rollout in Machakos County until further notice.
The event was due to take place on Tuesday, September 8, at the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) Centre in Athi River.
Labor and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua announced the postponement on Sunday.
Mutua said the government would give further communication on the event at a later date. He also apologized for the inconvenience caused by the change.
The Ministry of Labour had planned the event as a major milestone for the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme.
3,727 beneficiaries expected at event
The planned rollout was set to bring together 3,727 beneficiaries.
The programme targets young people through employment, skills development, entrepreneurship and savings opportunities.
The Athi River event was also expected to highlight several NYOTA initiatives.
One of them is the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme. The initiative helps people obtain formal recognition for skills they gained outside traditional training institutions.
The event was also expected to feature the Fundi Locator.
The platform aims to connect skilled workers with potential customers and employment opportunities.
Another planned initiative is the revamped Haba Na Haba Savings Scheme. The scheme seeks to encourage workers to build savings through regular contributions.
No new date announced
The government has not explained why it postponed the Machakos event.
It has also not announced a new date.
Mutua confirmed the change through a public statement on Sunday. NITA Athi River had prepared to host the event along Namanga Road.
The postponement means beneficiaries and other participants will have to wait for further instructions from the government.
NYOTA has continued to support young people across the country through funding, skills training and employment initiatives.
Machakos has also benefited from the programme. In January 2026, NYOTA announced KSh147.5 million in start-up capital for young people in Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties.
The government has not indicated when it will reschedule the Athi River rollout.
County Guardian will update this story once officials announce a new date or provide more information about the postponement.
