President William Ruto has announced a major initiative to empower 600,000 young people, single women, and persons with disabilities to participate in national and county government procurement, aiming to expand access to opportunities across the country.
Speaking in Samburu during the launch of the Nyota program, the President said affirmative action will be undertaken to empower these vulnerable people.
At the same time, the President distributed Sh.200 million grant to Samburu youth to help them start small scale businesses.
Ruto outlined that the plan forms part of a broader strategy to tackle unemployment and poverty, including affordable housing, labour mobility, and digital job expansion.
He added that his government has a firm economic agenda for the youth and urged them to maintain peace.
“We have an elaborate plan for the youth of Kenya. We shall ensure you are well taken care of,” the President said amid cheers from jubilant youth.
He announced that youth who dropped out of school at primary level will be trained as plumbers and masons among other artisanal courses.
“At the same time, we will support another 90,000 young people to undergo on-the-job training. They will be attached to master craftsmen and women for skills transfer, and receive a KSh6,000 stipend a month for six months. The master craftsmen will also be paid as the government also meets the cost of certification,” he wrote.
The president directed the Immigration Department to issue passports to deserving youth within two working days to enable them access opportunities in Middle East and other countries.
“We have negotiated employment opportunities for youth abroad. Pursue them in the usual Kenyan way,” he said.
The President said Nyota will empower the youth to access opportunities through self-employment adding that the National government has partnered with county governments to create opportunities for the youth.
Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu said youth will get single business permit which will be issued free of charge.
He added that livestock movement permit will also be zero rated.
At the same time, youth will be given free car wash spaces within the county to support their businesses.
