President William Ruto has reiterated that his government is seeking to employ not less than one million youths with artisanal skills graduating from institutions of higher learning across the country.

This is with emphasis on students from TVETs, as the government looks to revitalize the segment with construction of 15 more Tvets this year.

Speaking on Friday during the ‘2023 KCB 2jiajiri graduation ceremony in Nairobi, Ruto said he is deliberate and committed to change the youths story by creating more jobs through working with corporates and other partners.

“We will incorporate the youth in all government projects, beginning with the housing agenda that seeks to create opportunities for the many unemployed, skilled youths in the country,” Ruto said.

He added that the government through the Ministry of trade, is on the process of actualising exportation of artisanal skills developed locally, to other African countries through the African Continental Free Trade Area.

He lauded KCB in conjunction with with the German government's GIZ, for the implementation of the 2jiajiri programme, which graduated 3,500 graduates in the construction sector this year.

Launched in 2016, the programme has created over 119,000 jobs, with further focus on formalising the informal sector, and growing micro enterprises to a place where they can employ an average of five other young people.

To date, 22,959 youth have received technical and entrepreneurial training, and Sh259 million disbursed as loans to enable youths set up their business enterprises through provision of capital.

The programme further aims to create at least 1.5 million direct and indirect jobs while helping to set up 30,000 businesses over the next five years.

It leverages an integrated approach that includes upskilling to make small and medium-sized businesses more competitive, so they can meet the growing demand for supplies and services in the market.

Also speaking during the graduation ceremony, KCB Group CEO Paul Russo said it is evident that there is a growing number of young entrepreneurs in the country, whose passion is contagious and have promising perspective of the world and the future.

“Through such programmes, we endeavour to give them meaningful opportunities to start and grow their business,” Russo said.

“Locally, the programme has resulted in the creation of about 1,257 businesses, 7,272 jobs directly and indirectly and supporting over 10,000 households.”

KCB Group chairman Joseph Kinyua echoed Russo’s sentiments saying the initiative is crucial for the youths to access skills and finances that will help them buy tools and acquire knowledge, giving them dignity in their work.

“We are looking at raising the next generation of highly skilled and reliable masons, electricians, carpenters, hairdressers and mechanics among other trades,” Kinyua said.