DP Ruto: This is our plan for youth

DP William Ruto chats with Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana during the launch of National youth week in Makueni. [DPPS]

Tenders worth more than Sh200 billion have been lined up for youth, women and people with disabilities this year, Deputy President William Ruto has said.

The DP, who was speaking in Wote, Makueni County, yesterday during National Youth Week celebrations, told young people to get out of bed, put on their boots, tighten their belts and roll up their sleeves for gainful work.

The allocation represents an increase of Sh136 billion compared to the 2017-2018 allocation that saw about 58,000 tenders awarded to the youths.

“No opportunity will be brought to your doorstep. You must network your way into these opportunities,” said the DP.

Tertiary institutions

He added: “To unlock youths’ potential, we must make them competent. That is why we are prioritising their training.”

He said that, like universities, students in tertiary institutions would get a Sh40,000 loan a year.

In addition, beginning next year, university and college students will get internship opportunities. At least 120,000 youths will benefit from the initiative every year.  

The leaders present included Cabinet secretaries Margaret Kobia (Youth and Gender Affairs) and Rashid Echesa (Sports), Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, Nominated Senator Sylvia Kasanga and MPs Daniel Maanzo (Makueni), Sylvanus Osoro (South Mugirango), Gideon Keter (nominated) and Jesca Mbalu (Kibwezi).