President William Ruto has cautioned leaders against using unemployment as a political weapon, calling instead for collective action to uplift young Kenyans through job creation and economic empowerment.
“Leaders must resist the urge to incite the youth,” said the Head of State. “Instead, we must work together to find lasting solutions to the challenge of unemployment.”
In a strong statement underscoring the government’s commitment to youth empowerment, Ruto outlined sweeping initiatives already delivering results across the country and beyond.
Over the past two years, the government’s labour mobility program has helped 400,000 Kenyan youth secure employment abroad, tapping into global demand for skilled labour and bringing in vital foreign remittances.
Back home, more than 320,000 young people are actively employed through the Affordable Housing Programme, which has evolved into a key pillar of the government’s job creation strategy. The programme offers opportunities in construction, design, and project management while addressing the national housing deficit.
In the digital economy, another 180,000 youth are now earning incomes through remote and gig work, trained and supported by Jitume Labs at technical training institutes and through programs at the Tatu City Special Economic Zone.
To widen the reach of digital opportunities, the government is rolling out digital hubs in all of Kenya’s 1,450 wards, bringing internet access, devices, and skills training directly to local communities.
In education, President Ruto highlighted what he termed the largest teacher recruitment drive in Kenya’s history. So far, 76,000 teachers have been employed, with 24,000 more set to be hired by January 2026, aimed at improving learning outcomes and supporting the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
“Our approach is intentional, targeted, and future-focused. We are opening doors for the youth across sectors—from construction to tech to education,” Ruto affirmed.
The President’s remarks come at a time of rising political rhetoric around youth unemployment, with growing calls for inclusive and sustainable economic reforms.
