President Ruto Criticises Politicians, Promises Direct Involvement in Youth Empowerment

President William Ruto has rejected calls to delegate oversight of youth programmes, saying that he will personally supervise the NYOTA initiative.

Speaking in Garissa during the launch of the Nyota Capital programme, the President said youth empowerment is too important to be handed over to others. He maintained that he would remain directly involved to ensure the scheme achieves its objectives.

At the event, Ruto distributed Sh63 million in start-up capital to 2,520 young people from 30 wards in the county. Each beneficiary received Sh25,000 in the first phase, with Sh22,000 credited to a Pochi la Biashara mobile wallet and Sh3,000 placed in a savings account with the National Social Security Fund. 

A second payment of Sh25,000 is expected, bringing total support to Sh50,000 per recipient. The programme is part of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which seeks to expand economic opportunities at the grassroots and promote financial inclusion.

Ruto said the NYOTA programme had been structured to address weaknesses in previous youth initiatives, which he described as ineffective and vulnerable to corruption. He said that the new model is designed to be transparent and accountable, and to provide equal access regardless of political affiliation or background. 

“Matters of the young people of Kenya deserve my personal attention,” he told the audience, adding that he oversaw the programme’s development to ensure measurable results.

The President criticised political leaders who, he said, use young people for short-term political objectives. He urged leaders to prioritise mentorship, skills development and entrepreneurship, describing these as essential to meaningful empowerment. 

“In these young people, we have the future of our nation. We must spare no effort to mentor them, work with them, empower them, and hold their hands,” he said.

Ruto was accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. The administration has presented the NYOTA programme as both a financial support scheme and a long-term investment in youth entrepreneurship.