KAKAMEGA, Kenya — President William Ruto used this year’s International Youth Day celebrations to outline a raft of government programmes targeting young Kenyans, painting a picture of expanding opportunities, skills training, and job creation.
Speaking at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kakamega County on Monday, the President cited rising Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) enrolments, new housing projects, digital infrastructure, and financial inclusion initiatives such as the Hustler Fund as evidence of his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment.
“Our youth are the builders of today, the architects of our future, and the driving engine powering Kenya’s rise to greatness,” Dr. Ruto told the gathering, emphasising that the government aims to create at least 1.2 million jobs annually.
However, the President’s optimistic speech comes against a backdrop of strained relations between the state and young people — tensions that have turned deadly over the past year.
Deadly Confrontations
In June 2024, at least 60 people, most of them young, were killed during nationwide protests against a controversial Finance Bill.
The legislation, criticised for introducing new taxes, was later dropped, but not before leaving what activists describe as “a deep scar” between the government and its youthful population.
On July 7 this year, more than 50 more young people were killed during demonstrations commemorating last year’s victims.
Rights groups say police used excessive force, while government officials have insisted that law enforcement acted within the law to maintain order.
The twin tragedies have sharpened questions about the government’s approach to dissent, with some youth leaders accusing the administration of celebrating their potential while silencing their political voice.
Promises vs. Reality
In his address, President Ruto highlighted the expansion of TVET institutions from about 50 a decade ago to more than 250 today, with enrolment growing from 180,000 in 2018 to over 700,000.
He said the government is targeting two million trainees by the end of 2025 to bridge the country’s technical skills gap.
He also pointed to the Affordable Housing Programme, which he said currently employs 320,000 people and could double that figure within two months.
The government plans to place 10,000 young professionals in housing-related internships by January 2026.
But critics note that many of the jobs created are temporary and low-paying, with limited pathways to long-term employment.
Some TVET graduates say they are still struggling to find work despite government assurances.
Financial Inclusion and Overseas Jobs
The Hustler Fund, which the President described as “one of the most transformative financial inclusion initiatives in Kenya’s history,” has disbursed Sh72 billion to 26 million Kenyans, with nine million being repeat borrowers.
According to Ruto, five million beneficiaries have improved their credit scores and can now access larger loans.
The government has also promoted overseas employment, with 420,000 Kenyans securing jobs abroad over the past two and a half years. Programmes such as “Kazi Majuu” and bilateral labour agreements aim to ensure safe working conditions for migrants.
While these initiatives have been welcomed by some, others see the focus on exporting labour as an admission that local job creation remains inadequate.
Digital Investments
The President credited the “Digital Superhighway” programme with expanding internet connectivity by 24,000km of fibre and creating nearly 300,000 digital jobs through platforms like Ajira and Jitume.
He also cited the establishment of 316 digital hubs, with more under construction, as key to preparing young people for the digital economy.
Yet, digital rights groups have raised concerns over the state’s surveillance of online activism and periodic internet disruptions during protests, warning that such actions undermine the same youth engagement the government claims to champion.
International Youth Day celebrations were meant to spotlight Kenya’s youth as central to the country’s future.
But for many young people, the day also served as a reminder of recent losses and unresolved grievances.
Human rights organisations continue to call for independent investigations into last year’s and this year’s protest deaths.
The government maintains that it is committed to both economic empowerment and public order.
