President William Ruto warmed the hearts of youth in Garissa after he promised a motorcycle to a young man who made an emotional appeal during the NYOTA grant distribution event.
The touching exchange unfolded at Garissa High School Grounds as the President interacted with beneficiaries of the NYOTA business start-up capital programme.
The youth, identified as Mohamed Amin, openly expressed his admiration for the Head of State before making a heartfelt request.
“Hatujawahi pata president kama wewe, mambo yako haikuwangi ya ukora. Wewe ni tutam (We have never had a president like you. Your actions are never dishonest. You are wonderful),” Amin said, drawing cheers and laughter from the crowd.
He then explained his struggle and made a direct appeal: “Nilikuwa tu nataka unisaidie na bodaboda. Mimi nimezoea kutembea mguu sana bwana. Sitakuona tena, leo tu niko na wewe, nilikuwa nataka tu boda.”
This loosely translates to "I just wanted you to help me get a motorcycle. I am used to walking long distances. I may never see you again — today is the only chance I have with you. I only wanted a bike.”
President Ruto responded immediately, assuring him of assistance.
“Nitakupanga, leo leo,” he said. (I will sort you out today)
Seeking confirmation, Amin asked whether he should wait.
“So ningojee? Nisiende?” (So should I wait? Should I stay)
“Eeh, usisonge,” the President replied, before calling one of his aides and instructing him to ensure the young man receives a new motorcycle.
“Wacha niambie nanii akupange na bodaboda,” Ruto said as the crowd erupted into applause.
An elated Amin thanked the President, saying: “Asante sana Rais, wewe ni tutam.”
The interaction came as the Head of State engaged beneficiaries on how they planned to invest funds received under the NYOTA programme.
Amin said he intends to use his grant to start a livestock project by buying goats and feed, with plans to grow it into a small dairy venture.
“After some time, I will be milking. If I get up to eight litres a day, that is about Sh600 daily,” he told the President.
Amin was among the 2,520 youth from all 30 wards in Garissa County who received a share of Sh63 million in NYOTA start-up grants.
Each beneficiary received Sh25,000 in the first phase, with Sh22,000 deposited into a Pochi la Biashara mobile wallet and Sh3,000 saved under the NSSF Haba na Haba programme.
The second phase will provide an additional Sh25,000, bringing the total support per beneficiary to Sh50,000.
The NYOTA initiative is part of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, aimed at expanding access to capital and creating opportunities for young people at the grassroots.
Ruto urged beneficiaries to invest the funds prudently in sustainable ventures that would improve their livelihoods.
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