Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has defended the government's youth empowerment programme, arguing that critics are unfairly dismissing initiatives designed to help young Kenyans establish and expand businesses.
Speaking during the rollout of the second phase of the NYOTA programme in Nakuru on Friday, July 10, 2026, Kindiki said the opposition could not match President William Ruto's efforts to improve the livelihoods of young people across the country.
According to the Deputy President, the government is prioritising practical interventions that enable young people to create sustainable sources of income instead of relying on political rhetoric.
“Mimi naona kuna watu wanashindana na Rais Ruto. Kazi kama hii ya vijana ambayo Rais anafanya, there is nothing you can do about it, na hakuna vile unaweza ambia vijana ati wewe kazi yako ni kutumia vijana na kukupigia makofi na kelele alafu you are comparing yourself with President Ruto, who is going out of his way to empower young people of Kenya,” Kindiki said.
Kindiki maintained that it was unreasonable to discourage young people from accepting government support without providing alternative solutions to the country's unemployment challenge.
He said the administration remains committed to empowering youth through direct financial assistance and enterprise development programmes aimed at promoting self-reliance.
The Deputy President also dismissed criticism that the Ksh50,000 grants issued under the NYOTA programme are insufficient to make a meaningful impact.
“Mimi naskia watu wengine wakisema ooh, Ksh50,000 ni pesa kidogo,” Kindiki said.
He argued that while the amount may not address every financial need, it provides many young entrepreneurs with the capital required to launch or expand small businesses.
Kindiki further said the programme reflects President Ruto's commitment to tackling youth unemployment by equipping young people with resources to build sustainable livelihoods rather than depending on political handouts.
He also suggested that critics of the initiative have failed to present credible alternatives for addressing the country's unemployment crisis, insisting that the government's focus remains on creating economic opportunities and supporting entrepreneurship.
His remarks come as the government continues implementing the second phase of the NYOTA programme, under which thousands of beneficiaries are receiving additional funding after successfully investing their initial grants.
