Activist Kipkorir Ngetich Hails President Ruto for Launching Nyota Program in Uasin Gishu

The Center for Human Rights and Democracy has commended President William Ruto for the official launch of the Nyota Program in Uasin Gishu County, describing the initiative as a transformative step toward addressing youth unemployment, poverty, and social marginalization in Kenya.

Speaking during the launch, activist Kipkorir Ngetich lauded the president’s hands-on approach, noting that the program directly responds to one of Kenya’s most pressing challenges: providing young people with meaningful opportunities for economic participation.

“The growing number of unemployed youth in our country is a serious social and security concern. President Ruto has demonstrated that he is fully in touch with this reality and has taken practical steps to ensure that young people can gain access to career opportunities and earn a sustainable livelihood,” Ngetich said.

He added that the Nyota Program represents a historic milestone for Kenyan youth, highlighting that no previous administration since independence had undertaken such a comprehensive national initiative targeting young people’s empowerment.

“This program not only addresses unemployment, but it also directly champions the constitutional rights of young people. By providing startup capital, mentorship, and guidance, the president is creating a platform that will help young Kenyans fulfill their potential and disrupt cycles of intergenerational poverty,” Ngetich said.

The activist urged young people across the country to embrace the initiative fully, warning against being manipulated by selfish politicians or individuals pursuing narrow interests. “Our youth are the future of this country. They should remain focused, disciplined, and ready to seize opportunities presented by visionary leadership like that of President Ruto,” he said.

Ngetich also highlighted the president’s personal commitment to youth development, noting that Ruto has consistently supported young people throughout his political career. “Even as a Member of Parliament, President Ruto demonstrated his love for young people by funding schools and supporting the educational aspirations of many underprivileged youth. Today’s launch shows that he is taking youth empowerment to a national scale,” he noted.

According to Ngetich, the Nyota Program is not just about employment, but about creating a culture of innovation and self-reliance. “No country in the world can employ all its young people directly. What the president has done is provide a structured, intentional approach that enables youth to create their own opportunities, grow their businesses, and become self-sufficient,” he said.

The activist further praised the transparency and accountability measures embedded in the program, noting that coordinators and administrators have been charged with ensuring the initiative achieves its goals efficiently and fairly. “The president has made it clear that the process will be transparent, accountable, and free from corruption. Those entrusted with implementation must uphold this responsibility to ensure the program benefits the intended beneficiaries and does not fail the youth or the nation,” Ngetich said.

He also addressed critics who have, in the past, questioned government initiatives targeting youth. “Those engaging in politics of hate, tribalism, or manipulation should be reminded that Kenya has changed. The era of under-the-table deals is over. President Ruto has shown courage, vision, and determination in confronting challenges directly with practical solutions,” Ngetich said.

The launch event in Uasin Gishu was attended by hundreds of young people from surrounding counties, including Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Trans-Nzoia, who expressed optimism about the opportunities the Nyota Program will create. Many of the beneficiaries shared their appreciation for the government’s commitment to youth empowerment, noting that the initiative provides hope in a period marked by economic uncertainty.

“This is a clear demonstration that Kenya’s leadership cares about its youth and recognizes that investing in young people is investing in the nation’s future,” Ngetich said. “The Nyota Program will not only help youth earn a living but will also strengthen national cohesion, reduce poverty, and contribute to long-term social and economic stability.”

He concluded by urging all stakeholders—government officials, youth leaders, civil society, and the general public—to support the program, emphasizing that its success is critical to Kenya’s development trajectory. “We call on Parliament, county governments, and all Kenyans to embrace this initiative and ensure it reaches every deserving young person. This is a defining moment in our history, and Kenya is fortunate to have a president who listens, acts, and delivers for the youth,” Ngetich said.