- President William Ruto’s administration plans to combat youth unemployment through a new initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Labour
- The initiative aligns with national development goals, such as the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and African Vision 2063
- The collaboration brings together educational institutions, non-governmental organisations, corporate social responsibility departments and community organisations
TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto has over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.
President William Ruto’s administration is set to roll out a new programme to provide employment opportunities to 20,000 youths across the country.
Source: Facebook
The State Department for Labour and Skills Development will partner with the Volunteer-Involving Organisations Society (VIO) Kenya, to launch a new volunteerism-focused initiative as part of broader efforts to combat youth unemployment.
Labour Principal Secretary (PS) Shadrack Mwadime said the joint initiative intends to turn volunteering into a pathway for employment.
Through practical volunteer work, the programme will build a variety of talents, including transferable, soft, and technical skills.
“The goal is clear: to boost employability, support career growth, and contribute to Kenya’s economic progress. The initiative opens new doors for our youth, turning volunteer hours into opportunities for meaningful work,” Mwadime said in a statement.
VIO Kenya’s national chairperson, Meshack Odede, reaffirmed this commitment, noting that since 2008 the group has brought together volunteers and partners to advance peace and development.
“Now, we are proud to lead this nationwide effort to translate volunteer experience into real job opportunities,” he stated.
How will volunteering provide a path to employment?
By providing free training and certification, the programme will open up a clear path from voluntary work to paid employment.
It also aims to promote a culture in which volunteering is acknowledged as a legitimate step toward lifelong learning and job growth.
The collaboration brings together educational institutions, non-governmental organisations, corporate social responsibility departments, community organisations, and governmental organisations, all of which will partner to provide young people with the resources and assistance they require.
Source: Twitter
The initiative aligns with national development goals, such as African Vision 2063 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), amid the high youth unemployment rate.
“The plan is set to roll out in the coming weeks, with details on eligibility, training schedules, and regional outreach expected soon. For thousands of young Kenyans, volunteering will no longer be just an act of giving back; it will become a stepping stone to a brighter future,” the Ministry of Labour added.
Which opportunities did Germany advertise?
In other news, the German Embassy in Nairobi invited applications for the 15th intake of the AFRIKA KOMMT! fellowship, which provides young Kenyan professionals with a one-year opportunity for career development.
The programme offers fellows practical experience, leadership development, and a thorough understanding of German business culture by bringing together forward-thinking young leaders from African companies and German enterprises.
Applications for the 35 fellowship opportunities from seven partner firms for the 2026/2027 intake are due on March 22, 2026.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
