President William Ruto of Kenya has recently reaffirmed his dedication to addressing youth unemployment in the country.
In a candid statement during a digital media roundtable, Ruto shared his personal struggles with joblessness earlier in life, emphasizing his deep empathy for young people facing similar challenges today.
"For the last two weeks, I have spent many late nights pondering how we can improve the lives of our youth," Ruto expressed.
He highlighted his own experience of only securing employment after being elected to Parliament.
Ruto's initiatives are part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic growth from the grassroots level upwards.
He has pledged support for small-scale traders, such as mama mbogas (vegetable vendors) and boda boda (motorcycle taxi) riders, recognizing their vital role in Kenya's economy.
To bolster their efforts, his administration is actively constructing 400 markets across the country, aimed at providing better trading environments.
Despite facing challenges, including opposition to recent legislative proposals like the Finance Bill 2024, Ruto remains steadfast in his goal to transform Kenya's economic landscape. The bill, which aimed to enact sweeping changes, was met with widespread protests and was eventually withdrawn.
"I am willing to put my career on the line to ensure that young people have opportunities," Ruto affirmed. His administration continues to push forward with programs designed to create jobs and improve living standards for Kenya's youth.
In addition to economic policies, Ruto emphasized his readiness to engage with Kenya's younger generations on issues of national importance. He acknowledged the impact of recent protests led by Generation Z, promising to address their concerns directly.