President William Ruto has outlined a series of bold initiatives aimed at creating jobs and expanding opportunities for Kenyan youth, describing them as the country’s “greatest asset.”

Speaking during the International Youth Day forum at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kakamega, President Ruto said the government was implementing “bold, strategic, intentional, and multi-pronged” programmes to boost youth employment and entrepreneurship.

Affordable Housing Programme, labour mobility abroad, digital hubs, and ClimateWorx were identified as some of the initiatives undertaken to generate jobs for a diverse pool of young people.

Ruto pointed to government-backed business support, including mentorship, financial literacy training, affordable credit, grants, and procurement opportunities reserved for youth-owned enterprises.

"Through business support and mentorship, including financial literacy training, affordable credit and grants, and government procurement opportunities reserved for the youth, we are nurturing successful youth-run businesses," said

According to the president, these efforts are aimed at nurturing sustainable and youth-run businesses across the country.

During the event, the president presented cheques worth Sh163 million to 816 young people who have secured overseas employment through the Labour Mobility Programme.

He also launched the “Kuna Form” portal, which will enable young entrepreneurs to easily access business opportunities within the government.

“These initiatives are about empowering our youth to be job creators as well as job seekers,” Ruto said.

“We are building a future where every young Kenyan can access the tools and opportunities to thrive,” he added.