Ruto Tells Youths To Grab Government Job Opportunities.

President William Ruto/PHOTO: WILLIAM RUTO X

President William Ruto has challenged Kenyan youth to actively seek out jobs being created through the government’s affordable housing programme and other development initiatives.

He cautioned that opportunities will not just appear while they stay at home comfortably.

Speaking during International Youth Day celebrations at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kakamega on August 12, 2025, Ruto said projects such as the construction of student hostels, new markets, ICT hubs and Jitume labs are already creating employment in Kakamega County and beyond.

“Here in Kakamega, we have an affordable housing programme that will provide jobs. We are also building student hostels and markets. These are opportunities for you,” he said.

He added that unskilled youth would receive government-funded training and certificates to improve employability.

Ruto described Kenya’s youth as the ‘single most decisive force’ in shaping the nation’s future, surpassing natural resources like oil or gold.

He praised their energy, creativity and resilience in sectors such as science, technology and sports.

“Our youth are the builders of today, the architects of our future and the driving engine powering Kenya’s rise to greatness,” he added.

To address skills gaps and unemployment, Ruto outlined a multi-pronged strategy including the expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, alignment of curricula with industry needs, modernized equipment and public–private partnerships for apprenticeships.

He highlighted ongoing youth initiatives such as the Climate Worx programme, Uwezo Fund and Kandarasi Mtaani, noting that the Uwezo Fund would also cover costs for job seekers heading abroad.

The President cited the Kenya Youth Employment Opportunities Project’s impact on 310,000 youths and said its successor, the NYOTA programme, has already drawn over a million applicants.

Ruto further announced the upcoming Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank, to be launched this financial year, capitalized at USD75 million to finance and support youth-led businesses.