Ruto challenges opposition to spell out youth agenda, warns against empty politics

President William Ruto has taken aim at leaders aligned to the united opposition, accusing them of failing to articulate a clear agenda for Kenya’s youth and relying instead on political mobilisation without substance.

Speaking on Thursday, January 8, 2026, in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, during the disbursement of Nyota Funds, the President said the country cannot afford leadership that lacks a development record or concrete plans for job creation and economic empowerment.

Ruto said those seeking to govern Kenya must demonstrate not only ambition but also a clear vision backed by practical solutions, particularly for the millions of young people struggling with unemployment and rising living costs.

“Kenya has too much propaganda,” Ruto said. 

“There are leaders who are not telling us how they plan to create jobs for the youth. They are only talking about how they will mobilise young people to vote. If you want to be elected, you must tell Kenyans what you have planned for them.”

The President faulted what he described as a culture of entitlement to leadership, arguing that longevity in politics should not substitute for performance or ideas. He warned that the country risks stagnation if voters are persuaded by rhetoric rather than track records.

“These people must find an agenda and a manifesto and explain how they will implement it and how they will fund it,” he said. 

“If someone has been in leadership for 20 or 40 years and has no record of delivery, we cannot risk our country with such people.”

Ruto’s remarks come amid growing political activity within opposition ranks as leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election. 

While the President did not mention individuals by name, his comments were widely interpreted as a direct challenge to the emerging United Opposition alliance, which has intensified criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Youth employment has emerged as a central theme in the political debate, with Kenya’s population skewing heavily toward young people. 

According to government data, more than 75 per cent of Kenyans are below the age of 35, making youth-focused policies a critical factor in national leadership contests.

The President used the Eldoret event to defend his administration’s approach, citing government-backed initiatives aimed at expanding access to credit, skills training and employment opportunities. 

He pointed to programmes such as the Nyota Fund, which targets young entrepreneurs and small businesses, as evidence of his government’s commitment to empowering the youth.

Beyond employment, Ruto also revisited the government’s interventions in the education sector, framing them as long-term investments in human capital development. 

He said education remains the foundation of Kenya’s economic transformation and a key pillar in preparing young people for future opportunities.

At the same function, Ruto reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring timely disbursement of school capitation funds, following public concern over delayed allocations. 

He confirmed that schools had already received part of the funding ahead of the new academic year.

“We have committed to making sure that the full capitation funds of Ksh22,000 for each and every child are available in the next two terms so that our children can study uninterrupted,” he said.

The President added that increased funding for teachers, classrooms and laboratories forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen the education system and align learning with labour market needs.

“Our biggest resource is our human capital,” Ruto said. 

“Our young people are the most productive part of it. That is why we are investing more in education, infrastructure and training—because education is the only way to sharpen that human capital.”