• "We will support sports development so as to offer our youth an optimal platform for talent exploitation," he said.
• According to the DP, his focus will also be on equipping youths with hands-on technical skills that will prepare them for the job market.
Image: WILLIAM RUTO/TWITTER
Deputy President William Ruto signed a Youth Charter at the Nyayo Stadium On Monday evening, ahead of his manifesto launch slated for June 30.
Before signing the charter, Ruto engaged youths who were in attendance as they laid bare their grievances.
The Kenya Kwanza presidential aspirant was accompanied by his co-principals; Musalia Mudavadi (ANC), Moses Wetang'ula (Ford Kenya), Justin Muturi (DP), Moses Kuria (CCK), Alfred Mutua (MCC) and his running mate Rigathi Gachagua among other leaders.
Key issues among the youth that the second in command said he would address if elected in the August 9 general election included; creation of jobs as well as formulating polies to better the lives of the youth in Kenya.
The DP stated that top his agenda for the youth will be talent development, which he said will keep them aware from drugs and crime, in addition to making their lives better.
"We will support sports development so as to offer our youth an optimal platform for talent exploitation," he said.
"Sports and creative enterprises can change the lives of young people across the country. They provide a platform for the expression of talents and keep youth away from engaging in drugs and crime."
Ruto said he will make available Sh50 billion every year to Small and Medium Enterprise businesses, to cushion them from shylocks. This he said will enable their growth and in the end creation of jobs for young people in the country.
"We cannot drive the growth of our economy by giving handouts and stipends to the youth but through a deliberate and exhaustive development plan that will create jobs and generate income to millions of ordinary Kenyans."
He said the money will also be used to expand their enterprises.
According to the DP, his focus will also be on equipping youths with hands-on technical skills that will prepare them for the job market.
This, Ruto said will start with ensuring technical institutions have the required capacity to teach the youth.
"We are expanding and equipping technical training institutions to arm the youth with relevant skills that will enable them to engage in skilled businesses and boost their earnings," he added.
"Provision of hands-on, market-ready skills is a big part of solving the youth unemployment question."
The deputy President said his government, if elected, will prioritise creation of a deliberate programme to meaningfully engage the youth through business and employment.
Ruto said this programme will keep youths away from the ravages of substances abuse such as alcoholism.