Ruto says 430K Kenyans have secured jobs abroad through govt initiative
By Cy Muganda, August 12, 2025President William Ruto has announced that over 430,000 Kenyans have secured employment abroad in the last two and a half years through a government-led labour mobility initiative.
Speaking during the commemoration of International Youth Day at Masinde Muliro University Grounds in Kakamega County on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, , Ruto stated that the Kazi Majuu program has been crucial in creating new opportunities for young Kenyans while ensuring their welfare overseas.
“Over the past two-and-a-half years, 430,000 Kenyans have secured employment overseas through the Kazi Majuu program,” he said.
Ruto further revealed that the government is negotiating with other countries to open up more job markets for Kenyan workers.
“We are negotiating bilateral labour agreements with various governments to safeguard our workers and align their skills with high-demand markets,” he added.
Financial assistance
Aside from helping Kenyans secure jobs, Ruto said that under the programme Kenyans have been offered financial assistance to facilitate their travel arrangements.
“We are financing air tickets, visas, and settlement costs for Kenyan youth taking up jobs abroad,” he said.
“In this pilot phase, Ksh200 million has already been allocated and is currently supporting 225 young people,” he further noted.
Youth-led initiatives
Speaking during the ceremony, Ruto also shared plans to support young people by providing start-up capital for various ventures.
He explained that approximately 110,000 young entrepreneurs, around 70 from each ward across Kenya, will receive Ksh50,000 each as part of this initiative, aimed at boosting youth-led enterprises and stimulating economic growth at the grassroots level.
“I am pleased to report that the first phase of 54,000 young people will receive their Ksh50,000 startup capital next month. This will pave the way for their skills training to commence in the same month,” Ruto announced.