GOVERNMENT MAKING DELIBERATE INVESTMENTS TO CREATE JOBS – PRESIDENT RUTO
The government is rolling out bold and strategic initiatives to tackle Kenya’s growing youth unemployment crisis, President William Ruto has said. Speaking during the International Youth Day celebrations in Kakamega County, the President emphasized that for far too long, the country lacked a deliberate plan to create jobs, but his administration has now prioritized youth employment as the cornerstone of national development.
Highlighting the Affordable Housing Programme as a key driver of job creation, President Ruto said that 161,000 housing units are currently under construction, part of a larger pipeline of 700,000 homes expected to generate more than one million jobs. Already, about 320,000 people are engaged in the project, with numbers projected to double in coming months. Additionally, 4,000 internship positions in the building and construction sector have been advertised, targeting 10,000 placements by January 2026.
Through the ClimateWorx initiative, the government has engaged 45,000 youth in the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration project and aims to expand the programme countrywide, employing up to 113,000 people. The President further unveiled the Kandarasi Mtaani initiative, expected to provide work for 200,000 young Kenyans in housing and market projects. These programmes, he stressed, are designed to give youth sustainable livelihoods while transforming the environment and infrastructure.
In the digital space, the government is investing heavily in innovation and connectivity. Fibre optic coverage has been expanded by 24,000km, 1,494 Wi-Fi hotspots installed, and 316 digital hubs completed with more underway. So far, 1.9 million youth have received digital training, enabling 300,000 to secure online jobs. President Ruto said these efforts are part of building a competitive digital economy that places young Kenyans at the center of the global technology marketplace.
Labour mobility has also emerged as a vital pillar of job creation. The President revealed that 420,000 Kenyans have secured jobs abroad through the Kazi Majuu programme, supported by bilateral agreements with countries such as Germany and the UAE. He presented cheques worth KSh163 million to 816 youth under the Labour Mobility Programme, further easing access to international opportunities. Funds like Uwezo, Hustler Fund, and the Youth Enterprise Development Fund continue to finance travel costs, provide affordable loans, and expand access to credit for entrepreneurial youth.
The government is also boosting business support and financial inclusion. Through initiatives such as the Hustler Fund, which has disbursed KSh72 billion to more than 26 million Kenyans, and the upcoming Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank with KSh9.75 billion seed capital, young entrepreneurs are gaining the backing they need to thrive. The NYOTA project will train 600,000 youth on accessing government tenders, support over 100,000 entrepreneurs with start-up capital, and expand opportunities nationwide.
President Ruto underscored the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs), noting that enrollment has risen to over 700,000 learners across 250 institutions, compared to 50 a decade ago. Through the National Government Apprenticeship Opportunities (NGAO) programme, the government plans to train two million youth to meet the annual demand of 300,000 skilled workers. He concluded by urging the youth to embrace available opportunities, stressing that peace, discipline, and pro-activity remain key in turning government investments into meaningful jobs for the future.
