Govt Suspends NYOTA Verification After Ruto Declares National Mourning
Kenya has come to a standstill following the sudden death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga. In the wake of the tragedy, the government has suspended the nationwide verification of NYOTA applications that was scheduled for Friday, October 17, 2025, across all 290 constituencies.
Government Statement
The announcement was made by Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni from the State Department for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
“The State Department for MSMEs wishes to inform the public, all Principal Secretaries, elected leaders, applicants of the NYOTA project, and other stakeholders that the national verification exercise scheduled for Friday, October 17, has been postponed,” the statement read.
She clarified that the postponement respects the Presidential Proclamation on national mourning, which will continue until sunset on the day of Raila Odinga’s interment.
About the NYOTA Programme
The NYOTA initiative, a five-year project funded by the World Bank, targets youth empowerment by providing Ksh50,000 business grants to 70 young people in each of Kenya’s 1,450 wards. It aims to tackle unemployment, low income, and economic exclusion among the youth.
Initially, the verification was to involve Principal Secretaries, elected leaders, and National Government Administration Officers as part of a Whole-of-Government Approach to ensure transparency. However, with the nation plunged into mourning, the plans have been halted until further notice.
“This is not a cancellation but a pause to honour a man who inspired generations,” a senior ministry official said.
President Ruto’s Declaration
President William Ruto addressed the nation in a somber speech confirming the seven-day mourning period.
“In honour of the life and times of the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and on behalf of a grateful nation, I, William Ruto, under the authority vested in me as the President of the Republic of Kenya, declare that the nation will observe a period of national mourning from today until sunset of the day of his interment,” he stated.
“We mourn not only a leader but a father and a statesman who gave his all for Kenya,” the President added.
Delegation to India
Ruto also announced that a special delegation, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, will travel to India to oversee the repatriation of Raila’s body. The team includes Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen, Hassan Joho, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, and family members Jaoko Oburu Odinga and Kevin Opiyo Oginga.
“This team will ensure our beloved leader returns home with dignity and honour,” Ruto said.
Nation in Mourning
Across Bondo, Kisumu, Kibera, and Nairobi, thousands have flooded the streets, waving green branches, singing, and crying.
“We’ve lost our father,” one mourner in Kisumu said. “He was our voice when no one else dared to speak.”
At Raila’s Karen home, mourners continue to gather as Kenya unites in grief. The Ministry of MSMEs confirmed that new NYOTA verification dates will be announced after the mourning period.
“We remain committed to youth empowerment, but now, Kenya must grieve,” PS Mang’eni said.
ALSO READ: Chaos Breaks Out in CBD, Shops Looted as Kenyans Take to the Streets Mourning Raila Odinga
Govt Suspends NYOTA Verification After Ruto Declares National Mourning
