President William Ruto has defended the Nyota Youth Programme, saying it is a free government initiative designed to empower grassroots youth across the country by equipping them with skills, tools, and capital to start and grow businesses.
Speaking during a public engagement, the President warned that any official demanding bribes for enrolment would face legal action, insisting that access to the programme does not require any payment.
“This programme does not require anyone to pay to be enrolled. We will deal firmly with anyone who tries to extort money from the youth,” Ruto said.
The President explained that beneficiaries will receive digital tools, access bridging support through the Hustler Fund, and undergo follow-up assessments to monitor progress and sustainability of their enterprises.
“We are not just giving resources. We are building business enterprises,” he added.
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Ruto noted that the programme deliberately targets young people who missed out on secondary or tertiary education, largely due to poverty, arguing that lack of schooling should not lock anyone out of economic opportunity.
“Many children did not miss school because they were not intelligent, but because of poverty. That is why we are empowering them economically,” he said.
The President dismissed criticism from the opposition, accusing it of politicising government programmes and failing to offer practical development alternatives.
“We have spoken through action. Others only make promises,” he said.
Ruto also defended the Affordable Housing Programme, saying it had created thousands of jobs despite facing political resistance, and reaffirmed his administration’s focus on digital jobs and inclusive economic growth.
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki said the Nyota programme specifically targets youths who did not access higher education, clarifying that it is a grant, not a loan.
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“This is not a political campaign. It is a programme to empower households and uplift the youth,” Kindiki said.
He revealed that at least 90,000 young people are set to benefit through skills training, certification, and direct financial support, stressing that allocation will be non-discriminatory.
Prof. Kindiki accused the opposition of undermining the initiative, noting that similar empowerment programmes were absent during their time in government.
“This government is deliberate and intentional. The bottom-up economic model is not a slogan; it is a reality,” he said.
By John Majau
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