President Ruto: Youth are Kenya’s greatest asset in shaping the nation’s future

Speaking during International Youth Day celebrations at Masinde Muliro University in Kakamega County, Dr. Ruto lauded the energy, creativity, and resilience of Kenyan youths, noting their influence in sectors such as science, technology, and sports.

“The single most decisive force that will shape Kenya’s destiny is not oil, gold, or any other natural resource — it is our youth,” he said. “For generations, young people have been referred to as the leaders of tomorrow. Our youth are the builders of today, the architects of our future, and the driving engine powering Kenya’s rise to greatness.”

The President announced that his administration has developed a multi-pronged strategy to equip young people with skills relevant to the modern job market and to expand employment opportunities.

With nearly 800,000 youths entering the labour market annually, Dr. Ruto acknowledged the persistent challenge of limited opportunities and emphasized the need for future-ready training.

He singled out Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a cornerstone of economic transformation, citing data that TVET graduates are three times more likely than their peers to start small enterprises within two years of graduation.

He pledged to align TVET curricula with industry needs, modernize equipment, and expand public–private partnerships to facilitate apprenticeships and job placements.

The President also outlined several government programmes aimed at tackling youth unemployment, including the Climate Worx programme, the Uwezo Fund, and the Kandarasi Mtaani initiative. He noted that the Uwezo Fund would cover expenses for young Kenyans seeking jobs abroad, complementing other labour export initiatives.

Dr. Ruto further referenced the success of the Kenya Youth Employment Opportunities Project (KYEOP), which ran from 2018 to 2023 and benefited over 310,000 youths.

Its successor, the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme, attracted over one million applicants and aims to enhance employability and promote financial literacy among young people.

In a major financial boost for youth enterprises, the Head of State revealed plans to launch the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB) before the end of the current financial year.

The institution will be capitalized at USD 75 million (KSh9.75 billion) and will provide financing, credit guarantees, and capacity-building for youth-founded and youth-led businesses.