President William Ruto has announced a new youth-focused programme aimed at easing the transition from school to the labour market, targeting young Kenyans who complete Form Four or Standard Eight and often struggle to secure immediate opportunities.
Under the plan, 90,000 youths will be enrolled in a structured six-month training programme, during which each participant will receive a monthly stipend of KSh 6,000 to cater for transport and related logistical costs.
According to the President, the initiative is designed to address youth unemployment by equipping school leavers with practical, market-relevant skills while also offering short-term financial relief.
Many young people leave school without the resources to pursue further training or the networks needed to access jobs.
The programme seeks to bridge that gap by combining training with modest but consistent government support.
The six-month training is expected to focus on hands-on skills aligned with priority sectors of the economy, including technical trades, service industries, agribusiness, and emerging areas driven by technology and the digital economy.
By targeting both Form Four and Standard Eight completers, the government aims to include youths at different education levels who are often excluded from formal employment pathways.
The KSh 6,000 monthly payment is specifically intended to remove barriers that prevent participation, such as transport costs to training centres.
Officials argue that many youth-focused programmes fail not because of lack of interest, but because beneficiaries cannot afford the basic costs of attendance.
The stipend is therefore framed as an enabler rather than a salary, reinforcing the programme’s training-oriented nature.
President Ruto linked the initiative to his administration’s broader agenda on job creation and skills development, emphasizing that sustainable employment begins with relevant training rather than political promises.
He noted that investing in young people is central to economic growth, social stability, and long-term productivity, particularly at a time when the cost of living and unemployment remain pressing concerns.
While details on selection criteria, implementation partners, and rollout timelines are expected to be clarified by the relevant ministries, the announcement has already generated strong public interest.
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Kenya