Michael Kirwa Launches Sweeping 2026 Job Creation Drive Across All 47 Counties

 As Kenya marked the beginning of the New Year, H.E. Michael Kirwa unveiled an ambitious nationwide employment initiative, declaring 2026 the “Year of Prosperity and Achievements.” The announcement, delivered as part of his New Year message, outlined a bold plan to rapidly create jobs across all 47 counties, positioning employment as the central pillar of his 2026 agenda.

Dubbed the “One Agenda for 2026,” the initiative aims to facilitate job creation within five days, a timeline Kirwa described as both urgent and achievable with collective goodwill, strategic partnerships, and the blessings of H.E. President William Ruto. The proposal immediately drew national attention due to its scale, speed, and decentralized approach.

1,000 Jobs Per County

At the heart of the initiative is a promise to deliver 1,000 job opportunities in each county, translating to a potential 47,000 jobs nationwide. Kirwa said the program is designed to address rising unemployment, particularly among youth, by connecting job seekers to opportunities across various sectors.

He invited unemployed Kenyans to present themselves at county governors’ offices, which he identified as the primary coordination hubs for the initiative. According to the plan, these offices will operate daily to register participants, coordinate placements, and link beneficiaries with employers and partners involved in the program.

“This is not a seasonal campaign or a public relations exercise,” Kirwa said in his address. “This is a commitment to practical solutions that put money in people’s pockets and dignity back into work.”

Collaboration Across Government Levels

Kirwa emphasized that the success of the initiative would rely heavily on cooperation between the national government, county administrations, private sector players, faith-based organizations, and community leaders. He praised President Ruto’s focus on economic empowerment and grassroots development, noting that the job creation drive aligns with the broader national development agenda.

While no detailed breakdown of funding mechanisms was provided in the initial announcement, Kirwa noted that “support from good people” and partnerships would be central to sustaining the program. Observers say further clarification on implementation structures, timelines, and accountability mechanisms will be critical in the coming weeks.

Guinness World Record Ambition

Adding a symbolic dimension to the initiative, Kirwa referenced a possible bid for a Guinness World Record, suggesting that the speed and scale of the employment rollout could set a global benchmark. He also highlighted the “30+1 Initiative,” a concept that remains undefined publicly but is believed to be linked to accelerated development or employment targets.

The Guinness World Record reference sparked significant interest online, with supporters viewing it as a way to draw global attention to Kenya’s employment challenge and innovative responses, while critics urged caution to ensure substance outweighs symbolism.

Public Reaction and Expert Views

The announcement generated widespread debate on social media and in policy circles. Supporters praised Kirwa’s optimism and action-oriented message, calling it a refreshing departure from long-term promises that often fail to deliver immediate results.

However, some economists and governance experts urged a measured approach, emphasizing the need for transparency, sustainability, and clear criteria for job allocation. They noted that while rapid job creation is desirable, long-term impact depends on the quality, duration, and economic viability of the opportunities created.

“Youth unemployment is a complex issue,” said one labor analyst. “Bold ideas are welcome, but implementation will determine whether this becomes a turning point or just another headline.”

A Defining Moment for 2026

As Kenyans step into the New Year, Kirwa’s declaration has positioned employment at the center of national conversation. Whether the initiative will meet its ambitious targets remains to be seen, but it has undeniably set a tone of urgency and expectation for 2026.

For thousands of job seekers across the country, the coming days may prove decisive. As governors’ offices prepare for increased activity, the nation will be watching closely to see if the promise of prosperity and achievement can be translated into real opportunities on the ground.