President William Ruto has announced fresh measures aimed at boosting employment for young people and strengthening Nairobi’s informal sector, saying the government will continue investing in programmes that create jobs and support small businesses.
Speaking at State House, where he hosted more than 5,000 mechanics and artisans from Nairobi County, the President said young people remain central to the country’s economic agenda.
“We have established a range of programmes to create employment opportunities for our young people across the country, ensuring that they are at the centre of our nation’s economic transformation,” Ruto said.
Affordable housing projects expected to create thousands of jobs
The President said Nairobi is currently home to 36 Affordable Housing Program projects that are expected to deliver more than 180,000 housing units. Beyond increasing the supply of homes, he said the developments are also creating tens of thousands of jobs in construction and related industries.
President Ruto added that the government would continue investing in initiatives that equip young people with practical skills, better access to employment and opportunities to build sustainable businesses.
As part of the package announced on Thursday, the government will allocate KSh80 million to support artisans and mechanics in Nairobi County. The funds will help them acquire modern equipment and tools to improve productivity and grow their enterprises.
Government expands support for artisans through funding and certification
The President also highlighted progress under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programs, revealing that more than 40,000 Kenyans have already registered to have their existing skills assessed and formally certified.
He urged more artisans to enrol, saying recognised qualifications could improve access to jobs, contracts and other economic opportunities.
“More than 40,000 Kenyans have already registered under the Recognition of Prior Learning programme, which will train and issue certificates to artisans of various crafts. We encourage more skilled workers to enrol so that their experience and expertise can be formally recognised,” he said.
President Ruto further announced plans to build modern workshops for artisans and mechanics across Nairobi. He said the facilities would provide safer and more dignified working spaces while helping businesses meet licensing requirements and transition into the formal economy.
The announcements come as the government continues to promote the Affordable Housing Programme and youth employment initiatives as key pillars of its economic strategy. While officials say the projects are creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities, critics have previously questioned the pace of implementation and called for greater transparency on employment figures and long-term outcomes.
For thousands of artisans gathered at State House, however, the focus will be on whether the promised funding, training and improved workspaces translate into lasting economic opportunities.
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