President William Ruto has launched a bold initiative aimed at transforming Kenya’s youth economic landscape by empowering 190,000 young people through savings schemes and startup grants.

Speaking during the International Youth Day in Kakamega county on Tuesday, August 2025, President Ruto revealed plans to help these youths join the National Social Security Fund savings scheme, which is designed to encourage financial discipline and social security among young Kenyans.

He detailed that across the country, approximately 110,000 young entrepreneurs, approximately 70 from every ward in Kenya, will receive Ksh50,000 each in startup capital as part of this program. This infusion of funds is meant to boost youth-led ventures and stimulate 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.” President Ruto announced

The president emphasised that this initiative is part of a wider Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation program, backed by Ksh20 billion, which aims to support 42,000 enterprises within 600 business clusters across the country. The program will provide financing and facilities to help youth-led ventures scale up and create sustainable jobs.

This ambitious project is designed not only to empower young people financially but also to equip them with the skills necessary to run successful businesses and contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s economy.

Startup capital

By linking startup capital with skills training and encouraging savings through the NSSF, the government hopes to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and financial responsibility among the youth.

“54,000 young people will receive their Ksh50,000 start-up capital next month, paving the way for their skills training to commence in the same month,” he said

The program comes at a critical time when youth unemployment remains a pressing challenge in Kenya. President Ruto’s administration is positioning this initiative as a strategic move to stimulate job creation and economic inclusion for the country’s young population.

With the rollout set to commence next month, thousands of young Kenyans will soon have access to the resources and training needed to build thriving businesses, ultimately contributing to Kenya’s broader economic development goals.

This program signals the government’s commitment to creating opportunities for youth empowerment and sustaining long-term economic transformation.