Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has raised fresh concerns about Kenya’s economic priorities following President William Ruto’s Jamhuri Day address, warning that heavy investment in infrastructure alone will not absorb the growing number of young people preparing to enter the job market.

In a statement shared on X on Friday, December 12, 2025, after the celebrations at Nyayo Stadium, Kuria pointed to the latest education figures, noting that Kenya is facing an unprecedented wave of youth transitioning from school to work.

He argued that while roads, railways and other major projects are important, they will not by themselves guarantee jobs or livelihoods for the millions of young Kenyans coming of age.

Kuria’s remarks come just hours after President Ruto outlined ambitious infrastructure plans, including new highways, road upgrades and major transport projects across the country. While acknowledging the value of such developments, Kuria urged the government to urgently shift focus towards sustainable job creation driven by the private sector.

He warned that failure to plan ahead could leave the country overwhelmed by unemployment pressures in the near future.

“Reflections of Jamuhuri Day. 1.1 million graduated from KJSEA this year. First time we are crossing the 1 Million mark,” Kuria said.

He explained that these learners represent the future workforce, many of whom will be seeking jobs within the next three years as they complete their education.

“That’s the number of young people that will be joining the job market in 3 years time,” he added.

Job market

Kuria acknowledged that infrastructure development has its place in national growth, especially in improving mobility and trade. However, he cautioned that concrete and tarmac alone cannot solve the deeper challenge of employment.

“It’s okay and good to build dual carriage ways, expressways and SGRs,” he said.

The former CS stressed that without deliberate efforts to support industries, entrepreneurs and investors who can create long-term jobs, the country risks facing a serious social and economic strain.

“But if we do not give serious attention to meaningful job creation driven by the private sector, very soon there will be nowhere for us to hide,” Kuria warned.

His final message carried a blunt reminder of the urgency of the issue.

“Kitatulamba,” he said, using a Swahili phrase to suggest that the consequences will eventually catch up with the nation.