In a country grappling with the rising tide of youth unemployment, the role of government policy in creating opportunities cannot be overstated.
Over the years, Parliament and the Executive have crafted numerous interventions aimed at equipping young Kenyans with practical pathways to work and self-reliance.
From ICT hubs for digital jobs, Kazi Majuu, and teacher recruitment, to the affordable housing programme, Kazi Mtaani and the National Infrastructure Fund; each initiative has aimed to address unemployment in a structured and practical manner.
These programmes, passed through legislative processes and funded by hardworking taxpayers, represent intentional efforts by the state to stimulate economic activity and build a more inclusive future.
Yet, a troubling pattern continues to emerge: why are some leaders now disowning the very programmes they once endorsed? This inconsistency is not born out of policy failure, but out of political realignments.
What was once seen as a solution is suddenly branded as a problem; not because it no longer works, but because it no longer serves a political narrative. The result? The very youth these programmes were meant to uplift are left confused, misinformed, and cut off from life-changing opportunities.
Should national development be held hostage to shifting political interests? When leaders badmouth job-creation programmes for political mileage, they undermine trust in government, waste public resources and betray the very people they claim to represent.
The consequences are devastating. Young people remain jobless and disillusioned, taxpayers' money is wasted, and the public loses faith in government institutions.
Meanwhile, leaders point fingers, play blame games and move on to the next campaign platform. We must ask ourselves: can we truly build a better Kenya if we keep tearing down what we have built every election cycle? Political disagreements are healthy in a democracy, but they must not be allowed to erode national progress.
It is time for our leaders to act with maturity and integrity; support what works, fix what doesn’t and always put the people before politics.
Let us defend development, not destroy it. Political commentator and aspirant for member of Parliament, Manyatta constituency
