President William Ruto has asked politicians to stop inciting young people to violence to advance their political agenda.
The President said it was selfish for some politicians to exploit the youth when they have no agenda for them or solutions to their challenges.
On his part, the President said he has a concrete and deliberate plan to create opportunities for the youth and take the country forward.
“The youth want a better future; they want to know how they will get jobs, better education, how they will venture into business, and what support they will get from their government. And that is what we are doing,” he said.
He made the remarks during the launch of the business start-up capital disbursement of KSh103.9 million to 4,159 young entrepreneurs from Samburu, Isiolo, Laikipia and Marsabit counties at Archer’s Post, Samburu County.
He was accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Governors Jonathan Lati Lelelit (Samburu), Mohamud Ali (Marsabit), and Joshua Irungu (Laikipia), among other leaders.
The President urged young people to focus on meaningful economic activities that will transform their lives.
“Let us not mix a one-day political affair with the matters that concern your daily lives,” he said.
President Ruto challenged his competitors to present a solid agenda for the country, saying their sloganeering approach will not succeed.
Explaining that he has presented his plan and development track record for the people of Kenya to judge, he asked the opposition to do the same.
“Stop tribal talk, hatred and falsehoods and present your plan. Kenyans can differentiate those with a plan from those without a plan,” he said.
President Ruto noted that countries that have attained first world status did not do so by miracle, but by investing in their people and in strategic projects and programmes.
He pointed out that by spending 30 per cent of the country’s budget in education, Kenya is on the right path to educating and training the necessary skilled human capital.
He went on to say the government is also providing many opportunities for jobs and enterprise for those completing school.
As a result, he said, the government has designed deliberate opportunities for the youth once they complete their education.
The President cited the Affordable Housing Programme, jobs abroad, digital jobs and youth empowerment programmes such as the NYOTA programme.
He explained that the NYOTA Business Support programme seeks to benefit 100,000 youth, 70 in each ward of the country’s 1,450 wards. He appealed to the youth to invest funds wisely to earn a livelihood and improve their welfare.
On affordable housing, President Ruto noted that the government is building 400 modern markets, 240,000 affordable housing units and hostels for 180,000 students across the country.
“This is how to transform a nation,” he said.
Later, President Ruto launched the construction of the Rumuruti Modern Market in Laikipia County, which has a capacity of 750 traders.
The KSh260 million market will create a good environment for traders to do business.
In Laikipia County, the President said the government is investing KSh15 billion in the construction of affordable housing units, 14 modern markets and student hostels.
He also announced that the government has secured funds for the construction of the Rumuruti-Nanyuki road, as well as the Kinamba-Mwenje-Matwiku, Nanyuki-Doldol and Mutanga-Njambi roads.
Additionally, he said a modern stadium will be built in Nanyuki and will be completed by the end of the year.
Deputy President Kindiki commended President Ruto for tackling insecurity in Laikipia and other banditry and cattle-rustling-prone counties, and restoring peace and stability.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Governor Irungu, who praised the President for beefing up security and rolling out transformative development programmes in the region.
He welcomed the building of affordable housing in the county, as well as the construction of the Rumuruti-Nanyuki Road, among other projects.
Governor Lelelit described the NYOTA programme as the most impactful in the region, noting that it will help many young people to grow businesses and earn a decent living.
Mr Murkomen said the government is using intelligence to disarm civilians in possession of illegal firearms in Laikipia County and the Kerio Valley.
He said this has ensured that residents are not harassed or unfairly treated in such operations.
Mr Mvurya noted that the NYOTA programme is contributing significantly to enhancing inclusivity in areas that were previously marginalised.
“This is a clear demonstration that your (President Ruto) leadership is taking opportunities to all parts of Kenya,” he said.
