Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo has over the last few days pitched tent in Nyanza where he has been holding engagements with the youth.

During a recent meeting, the PS challenged the Gen Zs to take advantage of the many empowerment programs initiated by the government instead of waiting for the scarce white-collar jobs.

The PS urged the youth to register for the government initiatives through the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector under Micro and Small Enterprises Authority.

Speaking during a youth forum in Kisumu County, the PS said the Kenya Kwanza administration under President William Ruto has initiated several empowerment programs in various sectors, such as agriculture, housing and ICT among others.

“These aren’t just policy statements on paper. They are real, practical springboards of opportunity,” Dr. Omollo said.

Dr. Omollo reiterated that President Ruto’s administration was keen to champion practical, people-centred solutions. He emphasised that the President’s style of leadership focuses not just on national blueprints, but on how those plans touch real lives on the ground.

With nearly one million Kenyan youth graduating every year, the job market has become more competitive than ever.

Dr. Omollo urged young people to align their skills with these national priorities, noting that initiatives like affordable housing and the digital superhighway aren’t just development projects – they’re job creators.

“It’s not just about shelter or internet access. It’s about tackling unemployment head-on,” he said.

He also spotlighted the Social Health Authority (SHA) as one of the government’s most transformational projects.

“For decades, families have had to sell land or hold harambees just to afford medical care. That ends with SHA. If you have income, you contribute a small amount. If you don’t, the government steps in. It’s that simple,” Dr. Omollo said.

He called on young people not only to register but to become ambassadors for the SHA initiative in their communities.

Beyond offering health security, SHA will also create jobs in community health work, telemedicine, mental health support, wellness entrepreneurship, and digital health innovation.

Dr. Omollo also addressed the cloud of misinformation surrounding SHA, warning the youth against falling prey to propaganda, half-truths, or politically driven narratives.