Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku has urged investors from Israel and the East African region to help create jobs for youths through innovation.
Speaking during the launch of the East Africa-Israel Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Ruku said there is a lot Kenya and other East African countries can learn from Israel, especially in relation to technological advancements and innovations.
He said the Chamber will be a bridge between public policy and private enterprise in the country.
The CS also said that the partnership will assist the Government of Kenya and the East African community to create an enabling environment that encourages private enterprise and rewards innovations.
“There's a lot Kenya and other countries within East Africa can learn from Israel and do business together. Israel is a nation of start-ups, building innovations and selling to the world. We also want to make Kenya and East Africa to be start up nations.
“There is a lot of investment put into it and there is a lot we can learn between Kenya and Israel in terms of start-ups and innovations. This is what the government is promoting and putting efforts to ensure we support young people to have thriving start-ups,” the Cabinet Secretary said.
He noted that currently, Kenya faces the challenge of unemployment but the government remains committed to create opportunities for the young people.
“We have an employment challenge in Kenya, the mean age is 22 and getting these young people employment is a difficulty assignment but as government we are doing all we can to create opportunities for young people and this Chamber of Commerce can go a long way in doing that.”
Ruku reiterated President William Ruto’s support for Israel and that of the Government of Kenya.
He said Ruto is committed to building a cordial relationship between people of Kenya and Israel
“Count on me as a friend of Israel in the government and also count on President William Ruto, he is committed to building a very cordial relationship between people of Kenya and Israel.
“We are all strongly behind the government and the people of Israel and we will support in anyway,” the CS added.
Present at the launch was the Israeli Ambassador to Kenya Michael Lotem, among other dignitaries.
