Iko Kazi: Good News for 20,000 Unemployed Youths as Ruto’s Government Rolls Out New Programme

The Kenyan government is preparing to roll out a new national programme aimed at providing employment opportunities to at least 20,000 young people, as part of renewed efforts to tackle the country’s rising youth unemployment.

The initiative, which is expected to launch in the coming weeks, is being spearheaded by the State Department for Labour and Skills Development under the administration of President William Ruto.

According to the Ministry of Labour, the programme will focus on transforming volunteer work into a structured pathway to formal employment, ensuring young people gain practical experience while improving their chances in the job market.

Labour Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime said the government will partner with the Volunteer-Involving Organisations Society, VIO Kenya, to implement the initiative nationwide.

Through structured volunteer placements, participants will acquire transferable, soft, and technical skills that employers increasingly demand. Free training and certification will also be offered to help youths convert volunteer experience into recognised qualifications.

Mwadime noted that the programme seeks to boost employability, support long-term career growth, and contribute to Kenya’s broader economic progress by unlocking the potential of young people.

VIO Kenya national chairperson Meshack Odede said the organisation, which has operated since 2008, is committed to ensuring volunteer experience translates into tangible job opportunities across various sectors.

The programme aligns with key national and continental development frameworks, including the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and African Vision 2063, which prioritise youth empowerment and skills development.

The government will collaborate with educational institutions, non-governmental organisations, corporate social responsibility departments, community groups, and other state agencies to provide mentorship, resources, and placement opportunities.

Details on eligibility, training schedules, and regional rollout are expected to be released soon.

Meanwhile, Kenyan youths are also being encouraged to explore international opportunities such as the AFRIKA KOMMT! fellowship, advertised by the German Embassy in Nairobi, which offers professional development placements in Germany.

For many young Kenyans, the new volunteer-to-employment programme signals a shift toward practical solutions and renewed hope for a more inclusive labour market.