President William Ruto has announced an ambitious plan to tackle youth unemployment across the country, pledging to create more opportunities in key sectors including climate work, affordable housing, ICT, and overseas employment.
Speaking on Wednesday at Ruaraka Grounds, Nairobi, Ruto said his administration was committed to empowering young people through job creation.
“Youths don’t want violence, they want jobs to support their families,” he said.
The president revealed that 20,000 youths are currently employed under the Climate Works programme, and an additional 40,000 would be absorbed starting next week.
“In total, we are targeting nearly 200,000 youths under Climate Works,” Ruto said.
He also announced plans to expand the affordable housing programme to accommodate 300,000 more youths starting next month, projecting the number to reach 600,000 soon.
In the digital space, Ruto said 180,000 youths were currently working in ICT hubs, with plans underway to expand infrastructure to absorb more.
On labour mobility, he noted that 400,000 young Kenyans are employed abroad and the government intends to raise that number to one million.
“We want to expand opportunities beyond our borders so that more youth can work and support our country’s development,” he said.
Ruto urged youths to reject divisive leaders driven by tribalism and violence.
“Do not allow yourselves to be misled by leaders who have no plan and thrive on hatred and destruction,” he said, in a veiled reference to the opposition.
The president challenged opposition leaders to present their agenda for the youth instead of resorting to disruptive politics.
“I have created jobs through climate works, affordable housing, and labour mobility. What is your plan?” he posed.
He insisted his administration has a clear roadmap to reduce unemployment.
“I have a solid plan to get this country out of the unemployment crisis. That is what responsible leadership is about,” he said.
Ruto concluded by saying his government would continue expanding job opportunities in all sectors, emphasizing that economic empowerment of the youth is central to his development agenda.
