As the national physical verification exercise for the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) program begins, the Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test (EAT) has attracted the attention of applicants.
The EAT is a mandatory requirement for youths interested in entrepreneurship and small-scale business ventures seeking grants of Ksh50,000 each.
It aims to assess the entrepreneurship intent or business mindset of applicants, helping the government thoroughly identify the 100,000 beneficiaries of the grants.
To take the EAT, applicants are instructed to send the word NYOTA to 40270 and follow the prompts until all 19 questions are answered.
However, the test has generated questions, with applicants seeking clarity on its administration, technicalities, and potential costs involved.
NYOTA Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test FAQs
What if you do not get response after sending the ‘NYOTA message’
A common question is what to do if one does not receive a response after sending the ‘NYOTA message’ to start the test. The government advised interested youths to activate promotional messages on their phones by dialling *100#, selecting 5, then 2, then 5, to activate.
How to change the language during the test
Some have asked whether they can change the language during the test. The government stated that applicants can choose their preferred language at the start of the exam but cannot change it once the test has begun.
What if phone switches off mid test
Another question was what happens if an applicant’s phone switches off in the middle of the test. The government noted that applicants can resume where they left off once their phone is back on, provided they use the same SIM card.
Can I use a different phone to continue the test
Questions also arose about whether using a different phone to continue the test is possible. NYOTA officials confirmed it is, as long as the original SIM card registered for the program remains inserted.
How much airtime is needed to undertake the EAT
Some asked about the airtime costs for taking the test. The government clarified that the test is free of charge.
What is the average time needed to do the test
Regarding the time required, most users report completing the exam within 15 to 30 minutes, depending on response speed and network conditions.
Is it possible to retake the test
Applicants inquired whether they could retake the test. NYOTA officials responded that retakes are not permitted.
Can I correct mistakes made during the test
Another concern was if applicants could correct mistakes made during the test. The government said this was not possible and advised taking care to review answers before submission, as answers could not be changed.
Which phone can be used to do the test
The final question concerned the type of phone that can be used. The government confirmed that both smartphones and feature phones are compatible.
About NYOTA
NYOTA is a five-year transformative agenda initiated by the government, funded by the World Bank. It aims to empower youth by addressing unemployment, income insecurity, and limited savings.
During Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui on Monday, October 20, President William Ruto announced that his administration would begin disbursing funds from November 4 this year. Ruto also revealed that, together with the World Bank, the government allocated Ksh20 billion for various youth-led initiatives under the NYOTA program.
