Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has condemned political leaders fueling tribal divisions and warned that their actions are undermining national cohesion and stalling youth development efforts.
Speaking in Mbeere South, Embu County, Ruku urged Kenyans to stand united and rally behind President William Ruto’s government, especially on policies aimed at supporting young people through job creation and structured national programs.
“Kenya is one nation, one people, and one national flag,” Ruku said. “Those inciting the youth through tribal lines are not just dividing us they’re blocking opportunities meant to help the same young people they claim to represent.”
Ruku cited the Affordable Housing Program as a key employment initiative already creating work for youth across the country. He also shared a personal note, saying his own son had recently turned 18 and that every young Kenyan deserved a pathway to employment.
“That’s why this government is serious about housing,” Ruku said. “It’s not just construction it’s an opportunity for thousands of young men and women to earn a living.”
He revealed that President Ruto had given direct orders to his ministry to scale up the national internship program. So far, 5,000 young people have enrolled. The plan is to reach over 50,000 participants by December 2025, including those joining through the National Youth Service.
“The President has told me to expand the internship program rapidly,” Ruku said. “We are already on track to include more than 50,000 youths by the end of this year.”
His remarks come during a volatile period in Kenya, where recent demonstrations have exposed widespread anger among the youth. Amnesty International reports that 16 people have died and about 400 were injured during nationwide protests held last Wednesday.
The protests marked one year since last June’s anti-finance bill protests which claimed over 60 lives, which forced the government to withdraw the controversial 2024 Finance Bill. Despite the reversal, discontent remains high, driven by alleged police violence and unresolved cases of abuse, including the deaths of Albert Ojwang in custody and an unarmed street vendor reportedly shot during a previous protest.
CS Ruku did not address the ongoing demonstrations directly but focused his speech on building unity and expanding job access for the country’s youth.
The Ministry of Public Service is expected to release updated enrollment data for the internship program in the coming weeks.
