President William Ruto has dismissed calls for him to delegate youth-related matters, insisting that issues affecting young people in Kenya are too critical to be handled without his direct involvement.
Speaking during a public engagement, the President said the empowerment of youth, job creation and financial inclusion remain central to his administration’s agenda, and he would continue taking personal responsibility for initiatives targeting young people.
“Matters of the young people of Kenya are of such importance that they deserve my personal attention,” Ruto said, defending his hands-on approach to the NYOTA programme.
The President revealed that he personally designed the NYOTA programme after reviewing previous youth initiatives, which he described as poorly structured and ineffective.
“There were other programmes before, but they were poorly designed and poorly delivered, with minimal impact. That is why I took time, together with the Cabinet, to design this programme to ensure it is corruption-free, accountable and transparent,” he stated.
Ruto emphasised that the programme is not based on political affiliation, patronage or connections, but is intended to offer equal opportunities to all young Kenyans regardless of their background, religion or community.
He criticised leaders who, he claimed, seek to use young people for political gain rather than empowering them economically.
“Some people see young people as tools for political battles. I see entrepreneurs. I see the future of our nation,” the President said.
He urged critics who are not directly involved in youth empowerment efforts to allow the government to focus on implementing programmes aimed at uplifting young people.
“To those who have no business with the youth of Kenya, give us a break. We have work to do,” he added.
The President assured young Kenyans that his administration would continue creating employment opportunities, supporting entrepreneurship and mentoring youth to enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
