Ruto urges youth to seize digital, housing and labour mobility opportunities

Speaking on Sunday during the launch of the Siaya Community Digital Hub, Ruto said investment in the digital economy is a key pillar in job creation, noting that the government — working with the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) — is building digital hubs in every ward in 236 constituencies, with a target of establishing hubs in all 1,450 wards across the country.

Ruto said the hubs will provide free WiFi, digital literacy training and opportunities for online work, adding that the ICT sector has the potential to equip millions of young people with skills to earn a living.

“Already, 330,000 young people are working and monetising their talent online at ICT hubs at our TVET colleges, among other programmes,” he said.

The President listed other initiatives targeting youth, including the Affordable Housing Programme, where he said more than 500,000 young people are working in housing projects, modern markets and student hostels.

He said the labour mobility programme has enabled 540,000 people to secure jobs abroad over the past three years, while the NYOTA programme has supported young entrepreneurs through training, mentorship and KSh50,000 in business support.

Ruto also cautioned young people against being used by politicians to engage in violence, urging them to embrace empowerment programmes.

“I want to ask young people not to allow politicians to misuse them to engage in violence and politics, and instead to embrace empowerment programmes,” he said.

On development in Siaya, the President said affordable housing projects in the county are nearing completion, while hostels under construction at a cost of KSh5.6 billion will accommodate 11,000 college and university students.

He added that 25 modern markets are being built at a cost of KSh3.5 billion, and that Siaya has been allocated KSh1.6 billion to connect electricity to 16,000 homes

ODM Party leader Oburu Oginga said the digital hub would equip beneficiaries with ICT skills, boost employability and enable them to secure online jobs.

Cabinet Secretaries William Kabogo (ICT) and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Governors Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay) and Paul Otuoma (Busia), and MPs attended the even