President William Ruto has acknowledged growing frustration among young Kenyans over unemployment, taxation, the cost of living and the pace of government reforms, two years after deadly protests forced his administration to withdraw the Finance Bill 2024.
Thousands of young Kenyans took to the streets in June and July 2024 to oppose tax proposals they considered punitive, with dozens killed during the demonstrations. Faced with mounting public pressure, Ruto withdrew the Bill.
Speaking during the 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, on Tuesday, Ruto said the concerns raised by young people should compel the government to listen and remain accountable.
“Kenyans, particularly young people, have taken to the streets to express frustration over the cost of living, taxation, unemployment and the pace of change,” he said.
“Their protests remind us that an electoral mandate does not silence the people between elections. Citizens retain the right to question their government, challenge its decisions and demand better. We must listen, respond and remain answerable for the commitments we make.”
Ruto’s remarks came as he reflected on his four years in office and outlined the next phase of his economic agenda ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He said the government would expand opportunities for young people through digital work, overseas employment, affordable housing and internships.
“Many young people cannot get employment without experience, yet they cannot get experience without employment,” Ruto said, defending plans to expand apprenticeship opportunities and help young people transition from education into the workplace.
The President also defended the affordable housing programme, saying it had created more than 1.1 million jobs in construction and related sectors.
Ruto has repeatedly described the programme as a game-changer in tackling youth unemployment, challenging opposition leaders to present viable alternative proposals rather than simply criticising the initiative.
He maintains that housing projects can generate employment beyond construction sites, including opportunities in manufacturing, transport and the supply of building materials.
The President said his administration would continue pursuing initiatives intended to create jobs and improve livelihoods as the country approaches the next election.
Ruto said the 2027 political contest should focus on records, ideas, policies and development plans rather than ethnic mobilisation or personal attacks.
His acknowledgement of youth frustration placed employment, taxation and the cost of living at the centre of his national address, alongside his defence of government programmes as solutions to economic challenges facing young Kenyans.
