Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), has emphasized that winning political power is not enough to secure Kenya's future without addressing the pressing issue of unemployment. Speaking in Dallas on September 26, 2026, Gachagua highlighted the need for clear action to create jobs, warning that failure to do so could see an incoming administration pushed out within two years. He stressed that the unemployment crisis, particularly among young people, remains a major challenge for any government taking charge of the country.
Gachagua argued that Kenya could enter a cycle where presidents serve only one term if governments fail to respond to unemployment and other concerns affecting young people. He noted that if the issue of unemployment is not addressed within two years after taking over, it could lead to instability. The former Deputy President described the situation as a "wanton thing" that could undermine the country's progress. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the unemployment challenge.
The DCP leader proposed that Kenya should turn to the tourism sector as part of efforts to deal with the shortage of jobs. He highlighted that tourism has the potential to create more than six million jobs and described the sector as a "low-hanging fruit" that could help address unemployment, especially among young people. Gachagua suggested that Kenya should promote its tourism attractions and facilities in other countries to increase awareness of what the country has to offer.
Gachagua proposed assigning a tourism officer to every Kenyan diplomatic mission abroad to focus on promoting the country's attractions and facilities. This, he believes, will help to increase the number of tourists visiting Kenya, thereby creating more job opportunities. His proposal comes after Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro also pointed to tourism as a possible answer to the country's unemployment problem. Nyoro recently argued that the sector could help reduce unemployment and create more than three million jobs every year if its full potential is used.
President William Ruto's administration has pointed to measures it says have helped create employment opportunities. Ruto has said more than one million young people have secured jobs through the Affordable Housing Programme. The President has also said the establishment of Junior Secondary Schools has led to the employment of more than 100,000 teachers. According to Ruto, these measures form part of his government's response to the unemployment challenge facing the country.
Gachagua's comments highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the unemployment challenge in Kenya. The issue of unemployment has been a major concern for many Kenyans, with many young people facing significant challenges in accessing job opportunities. The former Deputy President's proposal to focus on the tourism sector as a way to create jobs has been echoed by other leaders, including Nyoro.
The conversation around job creation and unemployment is ongoing in Kenya, with various stakeholders weighing in on the issue. As the country prepares for future elections, leaders like Gachagua are emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to address the challenges facing the country. With the unemployment crisis remaining a major challenge, it remains to be seen how the next administration will address this issue.
Key points
- Gachagua warns that winning power is not enough to secure Kenya's future without creating jobs.
- The former Deputy President proposes that Kenya should focus on the tourism sector to create more job opportunities.
- President Ruto's administration has pointed to measures it says have helped create employment opportunities, including the Affordable Housing Programme and the establishment of Junior Secondary Schools.
