Ruto Commits Sh110 Billion To Youth, Women And Grassroots Empowerment Programmes

By Our Correspondent

The government has committed nearly Sh110 billion towards youth, women and grassroots empowerment programmes in the 2026/27 budget, funding internships, enterprise financing, technical training, social protection initiatives and the recruitment of 10,000 additional National Youth Service trainees.

President William Ruto said the allocation is aimed at expanding economic opportunities, strengthening livelihoods and improving access to skills development among young people, women and vulnerable groups as part of the government’s empowerment agenda.

The funding forms part of broader government efforts to tackle unemployment, support entrepreneurship and drive grassroots economic transformation through targeted programmes designed to create jobs, expand access to capital and improve household incomes.

“We are equally committed to empowering women, young people, and grassroots communities, with nearly Ksh 110 billion committed to programmes that expand opportunity and strengthen livelihoods,” the President said.

According to the budget framework, youth-focused programmes have been allocated Sh22.6 billion, while the National Youth Service will receive Sh12.4 billion to support recruitment, modernization efforts and expanded skills development initiatives nationwide.

The funding will facilitate the enlistment of an additional 10,000 young people into the National Youth Service while supporting infrastructure improvements, enhanced training capacity and skills development programmes across the institution.

Government plans also include the construction of classrooms, workshops and hostels through a Sh6.5 billion allocation intended to expand training capacity, enabling the National Youth Service to accommodate an additional 50,000 trainees.

Officials said the investment is designed to equip more young people with practical skills and technical training, improving their employability and preparedness for opportunities within both public and private sector institutions.

“In addition, Ksh 8.8 billion has been allocated for affordable credit to micro and small enterprises,” President Ruto said while outlining measures aimed at supporting entrepreneurship.

The budget further provides Sh5.3 billion for the NYOTA Programme and Sh2 billion for paid public internships, initiatives intended to enhance employment opportunities and support young graduates transitioning into the workforce.

Social protection programmes also feature prominently, with Sh25 billion earmarked for cash transfers expected to benefit about 1.2 million vulnerable households, providing financial support to families facing economic hardship nationwide.

Additional allocations include Sh8.9 billion for orphans and vulnerable children, Sh4.3 billion for the Hunger Safety Net Programme and Sh1.5 billion for persons living with severe disabilities across the country.

The government has also allocated Sh900 million to support girls’ education and dignity programmes aimed at improving school attendance, learning outcomes and retention rates among learners across the country.

“To strengthen grassroots administration, public participation, and access to Government services, Ksh 3.9 billion has been allocated for 110,000 village elders across the country,” he said.

Ruto said the investments are intended to create opportunities at the grassroots, improve service delivery and ensure the benefits of economic growth reach communities across all regions of the country.