President William Ruto has announced that more than 320,000 young Kenyans are currently employed under the government’s Affordable Housing Programme, a flagship initiative designed to address the rising tide of youth unemployment. Speaking during a site inspection in Kilimani, Nairobi, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, the Head of State emphasized that the programme has opened up fresh opportunities in the construction sector, offering jobs that previously did not exist.
The President stated that over 200 housing projects are actively running across the country, engaging youth in a range of skilled and semi-skilled jobs. These include roles for artisans, masons, site technicians, and other support workers. “We have built a deliberate system targeting unemployed youth to ensure they can earn a living, build careers, and contribute to national development,” Ruto said. The initiative has become a cornerstone of his administration’s effort to foster sustainable livelihoods and economic inclusion.
In addition to the Affordable Housing initiative, the President revealed that another 180,000 youths are employed through digital job platforms, while structured arrangements have enabled 400,000 Kenyans to access jobs abroad. He noted that this multi-pronged employment approach—combining physical, digital, and international pathways—is central to the government’s long-term youth empowerment agenda. “We are not just creating jobs locally; we are opening up the world to Kenyan youth,” he affirmed.
However, the President expressed concern over rising incidences of youth unrest allegedly fueled by opposition leaders. He warned young people not to allow themselves to be misused by politicians whose only goal is to create chaos and discredit the government’s ongoing efforts. “Some people want to use you to burn supermarkets and destroy infrastructure—and then what? Do jobs emerge from ashes?” Ruto posed. He urged the youth to resist such manipulation and instead focus on building their futures through constructive means.
Ruto further criticised sections of the opposition, accusing them of lacking any substantive youth agenda, and instead seeking to exploit the frustrations of young people to gain political power. “These politicians who incite the youth today have no plan for them tomorrow. Their only interest is to ride on youth anger for their own convenience, not to provide solutions,” he stated. The President maintained that real empowerment comes from action—not empty slogans.
He highlighted that the current administration’s employment interventions are backed by real numbers and tangible outcomes, unlike the vague promises from critics. “In the last year alone, close to one million job opportunities have been facilitated for young people—320,000 in housing, 180,000 in digital jobs, and 400,000 abroad. That is how a serious government works,” he said, adding that his administration will continue expanding such initiatives.
As Kenya navigates a period of economic pressure and political tension, President Ruto reiterated that youth empowerment must be grounded in productive engagement and national unity. He appealed to young people to be ambassadors of peace and development. “Do not let anyone convince you to destroy your country. You have more to gain by building it,” he concluded.
