President William Ruto has appealed to Kenya's youth to support his administration, arguing that opposition leaders have failed to deliver meaningful change despite holding power for years. On the third day of his tour of the Gusii region, Ruto urged young Kenyans to back his leadership while criticizing opposition figures for allegedly frustrating the rise of emerging young leaders. He cited examples of youthful leaders, including South Mugirango MP Osoro and Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda, who are growing in influence.
President Ruto pledged to usher in a new political order by 2032, promising to make way for a younger generation of leaders to take the reins. He used monikers to refer to opposition leaders, accusing them of targeting promising young politicians. Ruto assured young people that he would ensure their leaders leave office in 2032, making way for a new generation. This appeal to young people comes amid efforts to repair his strained relationship with Generation Z and the wider youth population.
President Ruto outlined several programs initiated by his administration, urging the youth in Gusii to register for the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) program. He highlighted that young people are a critical pillar of national development, with the skills, talent, and energy to drive Kenya's transformation agenda. The administration has created millions of employment opportunities for young people through various initiatives over the past three years.
Under the Affordable Housing Program, the government has generated 1.1 million jobs, while 680,000 Kenyans have secured employment abroad and another 350,000 are earning a living through digital jobs. Additionally, 130,000 young people have received Sh50,000 each to start or expand their businesses under the NYOTA program. The second phase of the program will target 200,000 youths, and the administration will provide 50,000 graduates with internship opportunities and a monthly stipend beginning January 2027.
President Ruto's renewed appeal to young people comes amid efforts to move beyond the bitter confrontation that characterized the historic 2024-2025 protests. Some young Kenyans who voted for him in 2022 have expressed feelings of betrayal, citing high inflation, the rising cost of living, unemployment, and unfulfilled promises. The discontent, initially sparked by opposition to the Finance Bill 2024, deepened amid growing public anger over police brutality and deaths in custody.
The President's third day in Gusii was marked by a series of project launches and inspections in Kisii County. He made several stops in Bonchari, Kitutu Chache North, Bobasi, and South Mugirango constituencies, using his rallies to rally young people behind his administration ahead of the 2027 General Election. The projects launched included roads, markets, and electricity connectivity initiatives.
President Ruto's charm offensive in Gusii is part of his broader effort to rebuild trust with young Kenyans and recalibrate his political approach ahead of the 2027 General Election. The President's administration has launched various initiatives aimed at creating jobs, providing training, and equipping young people with resources to contribute to national progress. The success of these initiatives remains to be seen as the country prepares for the next general election.
Key points
- President Ruto pledges to hand over power to young leaders by 2032
- The administration has created millions of employment opportunities for young people through various initiatives
- President Ruto's renewed appeal to young people comes amid efforts to repair his strained relationship with Generation Z and the wider youth population
