Ruto Defends Education Reforms, Says Changes Will Prepare Youth for Jobs

President William Ruto has defended his administration’s education reforms, saying the changes are aimed at strengthening schools and preparing young people for employment and economic participation.

Speaking in Kisumu during the disbursement of funds under the Nyota programme, the President said education is central to his government’s development strategy and to Kenya’s long-term economic growth. He argued that sustained investment in young people is necessary to secure the country’s future.

Mr Ruto said his administration has increased funding to schools and expanded teacher recruitment, with particular focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions and universities. He said the education sector he inherited faced serious challenges, including inadequate funding and teacher shortages, and maintained that current reforms are intended to stabilise the system and strengthen skills training.

He told the gathering that the government is prioritising practical and market-relevant skills to ensure learners are able to support themselves and contribute to national development. According to the President, education reforms are designed to align learning outcomes with the needs of the economy.

The President also stressed that youth empowerment programmes are inclusive and based on merit. He said access to government-supported opportunities is not influenced by ethnicity, background or political affiliation, adding that additional opportunities would be created for those who have not yet benefited.

Mr Ruto described his visit to Kisumu, Siaya and Homa Bay as a development-focused engagement rather than a political tour. He thanked residents for their reception and said the purpose of the visit was to deliver projects and oversee government programmes. “We did not come here to take a walk. We came here to work and do business,” he said.

In remarks directed at his critics, the President said opposition leaders had failed to present alternative policies. He rejected calls to return to past approaches to governance, arguing that Kenyans are seeking practical solutions rather than political rhetoric or division.

He concluded by urging Kenyans to support development-driven leadership, reiterating his administration’s commitment to improving education and expanding opportunities for young people across the country.