Deputy President William Ruto Receives Lifetime Achievement Award in Uganda

Deputy President William Ruto was on Sunday honored during the 2018 edition of Young Achievers Awards ceremony held in Kampala, Uganda.

The Deputy President was given the Lifetime Achievement Award for championing for youth empowerment. This was particularly in recognition for his role in Jubilee administration's initiative to award 30 percent of all tenders to youths, women and people living with disability.

Speaking during the event, Ruto urged the youth to take advantage of the many opportunities presented to them.

“You must be hungry for a better future if you want to make it in life and to make a change in the society. Impossible is a word with diminished application and relevance,” said Ruto.

He emphasized on the need for Africa’s education system to be inclined towards science, technology and technical training. 

“This view is informed by the fact that while at school, I marveled at the pedagogy that emphasized information of little relevance to Africa’s economic development. For what shall it profit a young person to know when Vasco da Gama reached Malindi or when Henry Morton Stanley discovered the mouth of the Congo River,” he wondered.

Ruto also highlighted the various initiatives Kenya is undertaking to empower the young generation. “Today, we boast of 11 national polytechnics, 125 vocational colleges and 67 others at different stages of development. From the current 180,000 students in technical colleges, our plan is to expand enrollment to over three million in the next five years,” added the Deputy President. 

The Deputy President was flanked by his wife Rachel Ruto, EAC Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohammed, Governors Prof John Lonyangapuo (West Pokot), Josephat Nanok (Turkana) and Sospeter Ojaamong (Busia), among others leaders.

The Young Achievers Awards recognises youth who have succeeded in different fields including arts, entrepreneurship, journalism, philanthropy, innovation and sports.