[PHOTOS] Ruto dances to Anguka Nayo during youth initiative launch

President William Ruto has launched the Next Generation Youth Employment Programme (NextGen.KE), a government initiative aimed at equipping young Kenyans with practical skills and workplace experience to improve their employability.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi, Ruto said internships are essential in helping young people transition from education to the labour market, noting that every profession is built through apprenticeship and mentorship.

"Every civilisation has passed on its knowledge the same way, one generation teaching the next. Before anyone becomes a master of a craft or profession, they must first become an apprentice," he said.

The President described internships as "the bridge between learning and earning, between potential and performance, and between ambition and achievement."

Ruto said NextGen.Ke is a partnership between the government of Kenya, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other partners, and will initially support 30,000 young people through structured private-sector internships, entrepreneurship training, financial literacy and workplace readiness programmes.

He said the government plans to expand the initiative to reach 100,000 young Kenyans.

"The government's commitment of Sh2 billion this year is more than a financial allocation. It is a declaration of confidence in Kenya's future," Ruto said.

The President urged the private sector to provide internship opportunities and mentorship, saying collaboration is key to preparing a skilled workforce.

"The private sector must continue opening its workplaces, sharing its knowledge and mentoring the next generation of professionals," he said.

Ruto also encouraged young people to prioritise learning and skills development, saying lasting success comes from building knowledge, discipline and experience before focusing on financial rewards.