President William Ruto has announced a new government programme that will give 90,000 young Kenyans a KSh 6,000 monthly stipend while they train in practical skills. The plan targets youth who left school early or lack vocational training.
It covers short courses in areas like plumbing, tailoring, hairdressing, mechanics and electrical work. The government will pay for the training, exams and certification. Participants get the stipend for six months to help with transport and daily needs.
Ruto shared the details during visits to several counties this week. He spoke in places like Eldoret, Nakuru and Nyeri. The president said the programme fits his bottom-up economic model. It aims to reach people often left behind. He wants master craftsmen and women to train the youth on the job. After six months, the young people get certificates to help them find work or start businesses.
This forms part of the wider NYOTA programme. NYOTA stands for National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement. The World Bank supports it. Earlier phases gave start-up grants to thousands of youth.
Now this on-the-job training adds another layer. Ruto said the government is ready to help more than 90,000 if applications rise. He urged young people to sign up through local chiefs or county offices.
The stipend of KSh 6,000 per month covers basics like travel to training centres. It is not a handout, the president stressed. Youth must attend and learn. Master trainers also get paid for their time. At the end, the government covers exam fees. This gives participants official papers that open doors to jobs.
Many see this as a timely move. Youth unemployment stays high in Kenya. Many finish Form Four or even lower without skills for the market. Programmes like this could bridge that gap.
In North Rift counties, Ruto launched similar disbursements recently. He handed out millions in grants under NYOTA. Youth there said the money helped start small businesses like salons or repair shops.
Applications will open soon. Details come through county coordinators and the NYOTA portal. Youth aged 18 to 35 who dropped out or need skills qualify most. The program runs across all counties. It prioritises vulnerable groups, including those with disabilities.
Ruto has pushed youth empowerment since taking office. He often mentions digital jobs, affordable housing internships and overseas work. This stipend adds direct support during training. Critics say past funds sometimes reached few people. The government promises better tracking this time. Money goes straight to M-Pesa or bank accounts.
Young people reacted quickly online. Many shared the news and asked about applying. Some thanked the president for the chance. Others wanted clearer steps. County leaders like governors have started awareness drives.
This program costs hundreds of millions monthly. It shows focus on skills over just cash. If it works, thousands could gain trades and steady income. The first groups start training soon. Results will show in the coming months.
For now, youth across Kenya have a new option. The KSh 6,000 stipend, plus free training, offers a practical path forward. Many hope it delivers real change.
