Jobs

Ruto Announces Ksh6,000 Monthly Stipend for Youths in On-the-Job Training Programme

2 min read

5 months ago Scott

President William Ruto has unveiled plans to financially support 90,000 young Kenyans as part of a government initiative aimed at enhancing skills and employability.

Addressing the public in Eldoret on Thursday, January 8, the President said the youths will participate in an on-the-job training programme, where they will work under experienced master craftsmen and craftswomen to gain practical skills. Each trainee is set to receive a monthly stipend of Ksh6,000 throughout the training period.

Ruto explained that the government will also take care of certification costs and compensate the master craftsmen facilitating the training. However, details on the selection process for beneficiaries and the exact start date of the programme were not disclosed.

“We will support 90,000 youths to undergo on-the-job training. They will be attached to master craftsmen and women for skills transfer and receive a Ksh6,000 stipend per month for six months. The master craftsmen will also be paid, with certification costs covered by the government,” President Ruto stated.

In addition, the government plans to train 600,000 persons with disabilities to help them take advantage of reserved government procurement opportunities, ensuring they are included in economic activities.

Ruto emphasized that these programmes are intended to unlock the economic potential of young people, particularly in areas such as digital employment, affordable housing, and other infrastructure projects.

The President also highlighted support for 20,000 youths enrolled in the NYOTA programme under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme, with the government funding certification courses to help them transition smoothly into the workforce.

Already, Ksh250 million has been disbursed to 9,500 young people from counties including Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, and West Pokot through the NYOTA initiative. Each beneficiary received Ksh22,000 to grow their businesses, with an extra Ksh3,000 deposited into their NSSF savings accounts.

President Ruto assured that the programmes are administered fairly, stressing that funds are distributed based on merit, not favoritism.

“I am pleased that no one has been forced or bribed to be on this list. The opportunities are purely merit-based,” Ruto added.