Ruto Warns Companies Against Registering Under Youth Names

President William Ruto has issued a firm warning to companies and influential individuals accused of exploiting young Kenyans by registering businesses under their names to unlawfully access government opportunities meant for youth.

Speaking during the Nyota disbursement exercise in Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu, the President said the practice undermines genuine youth empowerment and denies young people the economic benefits intended for them.

During his address to the youth, Ruto warned them of allowing powerful people to take advantage of them by using their image for their own benefit.

He said some businesses are falsely presented as youth-owned enterprises, yet the real beneficiaries are wealthy and influential figures hiding behind young people’s names.

The President emphasized that the government has resolved to stop this trend, noting that youth-focused programs must benefit young entrepreneurs directly and transparently.

“We want a young person, when they register a business, for it to truly be their own business, not someone else’s,” Ruto said, adding that payments from government contracts would go straight to the youth involved.

Crackdown on Exploitation of Youth-Owned Enterprises

Ruto stated that the government will no longer tolerate situations where young people are used as proxies while others control the businesses and funds.

“Your name is being used, it is registered, and it is said that this is a youth-owned company, yet that business is not yours,” he warned.

He assured young entrepreneurs that the state would provide direct support, ensuring that funds reach them without intermediaries.

According to the President, this approach will enable youth to “receive your own money, run your own business, work with the county and national governments, and be paid directly.”

Also Read: NYOTA Project Re-Opens Applications

Ruto Appeals to Youth on National Unity and Leadership

In a broader message, Ruto urged young people not to be manipulated by leaders “with no agenda for this country,” saying youth deserve respect and meaningful inclusion.

He praised young Kenyans for rejecting “outdated tribal arithmetic,” recycled slogans, and backward leadership in favor of progress.

“We value the young people of this nation because they have chosen progress over stagnation,” he said, adding that youth have a real opportunity to be part of Kenya’s transformation.

Also Read: Govt Announces NYOTA Capital Disbursement Dates for Select Counties

Government Programs Targeting Youth Employment

The President outlined four major programs designed to engage young people, starting with the affordable housing initiative.

He said Ksh 96 billion has been allocated to housing, markets, and hostels, employing about 500,000 young Kenyans nationwide.

“How can housing not be a priority when it employs five hundred thousand young people?” he posed.

Ruto also highlighted the digital jobs program, noting that 300,000 young people are already earning through online platforms via ICT hubs, Jitume centers, and BPO facilities.

The government targets one million youth in digital jobs within a year.

Finally, he cited bilateral labor agreements that have enabled 538,000 young Kenyans to work abroad over the last three years, saying such opportunities allow youth to earn, return home, and contribute to national development.

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