President William Ruto has stepped up the delivery of economic promises in Nairobi, unveiling a series of empowerment programmes targeting young people, artisans and informal sector workers as his administration builds its political narrative ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The President, who hosted more than 5,000 mechanics and artisans from Nairobi County at State House Nairobi, highlighted government initiatives ranging from affordable housing projects to skills certification and financial support for small businesses.
The programmes form part of the administration’s broader effort to showcase its development record and connect directly with key voting blocs, particularly young people and workers in the informal sector who make up a significant share of Nairobi’s electorate.
Ruto said the government had prioritised job creation through transformative projects, with the Affordable Housing Programme emerging as one of the flagship initiatives.
In Nairobi County alone, the President said 36 affordable housing projects were underway and expected to deliver more than 180,000 housing units while creating tens of thousands of jobs.
“We have established a range of transformative programmes to create employment opportunities for our young people across the country, ensuring that they are at the centre of our nation's economic transformation,” Ruto said.
The President also announced an allocation of KSh80 million to support artisans and mechanics in Nairobi acquire modern equipment and tools, a move aimed at increasing productivity and expanding their businesses.
The initiative targets the informal sector, which has traditionally been a key constituency in Kenya’s elections due to its large youth population and economic influence.
Ruto further pointed to the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme, saying more than 40,000 Kenyans had already enrolled to have their skills assessed and certified.
He said formal recognition of skills would enable artisans to access better opportunities, participate in formal markets and improve their incomes.
The government is also developing modern workshops for mechanics and artisans across Nairobi, with the President saying the facilities would provide safer working environments, support business formalisation and improve service delivery.
The State House meeting with Nairobi’s informal sector workers comes as the administration intensifies efforts to demonstrate tangible benefits from its economic agenda ahead of the next General Election.
Since taking office, President Ruto has placed job creation, affordable housing, youth empowerment and support for small enterprises at the centre of his political messaging.
With the 2027 contest expected to be shaped by economic concerns, particularly employment and the cost of living, the latest announcements are likely to form part of the government’s campaign pitch as it seeks to convince voters that its policies are delivering measurable change.
Political analysts note that urban voters, especially young people and informal sector workers in Nairobi, will be a critical battleground in 2027, making economic empowerment programmes a key feature of the emerging political contest.
