Aasai

President William Ruto has strongly urged Kenyan youth to reject leaders he described as lacking a clear plan for the nation, particularly on job creation. Speaking in Dandora during the inspection of the Nairobi River Regeneration Programme, the President criticized opposition leaders for allegedly inciting young people to engage in protests and violence instead of providing alternative development strategies.

“Do not accept to be led by people who have no plan and those driven by tribalism and hatred,” Ruto warned. He emphasized that the country’s youth should not be lured into destructive actions under the guise of political expression, but rather empowered through meaningful employment and development opportunities.

The President said his administration is focused on rolling out job-creating programmes across multiple sectors. He cited the Climate WorX programme, which has so far created over 200,000 jobs nationwide, and the Affordable Housing Programme, which currently employs more than 320,000 Kenyans, with plans to double that number in the next three months.

He also pointed to other initiatives such as labour mobility partnerships, which have enabled over 400,000 Kenyans to secure jobs abroad, and digital economy jobs, where at least 180,000 youth are now earning an income through online platforms.

“What is your plan?” the President asked his critics, challenging them to show tangible ideas instead of inciting unrest. “It cannot be that your plan is to incite and pay young people to destroy property and burn businesses. That is not acceptable.”

Ruto further highlighted the Nairobi River Regeneration Programme, which he said is a key part of his administration’s commitment to both environmental restoration and employment creation. So far, 20,000 youth have been engaged under the project in Nairobi County, and another 20,000 are scheduled to begin work in the coming week, bringing the total to 40,000.

The programme will deliver major infrastructure upgrades including 54km of new sewer lines, construction of 10,000 social housing units, community parks, public halls, toilets, and modern walkways. Additionally, 44 pedestrian bridges will be built to ease movement across the city, and the Kariobangi wastewater treatment plant will be expanded to improve sanitation.

President Ruto emphasized that the first phase of the project will cover a 27.2km stretch of the Nairobi River, from Naivasha Road to Dandora Falls, while Mathare and Ngong Rivers will be addressed in the second phase. The full programme, including aquaculture, sewage systems, and markets, is scheduled for completion by January 15, 2027.

The President also used the occasion to advocate for universal healthcare under the new Social Health Authority (SHA), asking all Kenyans to register. “I will make sure SHA works and everybody who goes to hospital is treated and SHA pays the bills,” he assured.

Earlier in the day, Ruto commissioned the Savannah Stage 17 Bridge road connecting Embakasi East and Central constituencies. He revealed that at least 70km of roads are being constructed in Nairobi to ease traffic congestion and boost the city’s global competitiveness.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Deputy Governor James Muchiri, and several Members of Parliament including Phelix Odiwuor, TJ Kajwang, George Aladwa, and nominated MPs Karen Nyamu and Maureen Mutinda were also present. Governor Sakaja praised Nairobians for rising above ethnic politics and working together for a better city.