Ruto to certify 40,000 skilled youth without formal qualifications

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President William Ruto at State House Nairobi, hosted more than 5,000 mechanics and artisans from Nairobi County on July 23, 2026. [PCS]

President William Ruto has announced that the government will fund the certification of 40,000 skilled young people who lack formal academic qualifications, expanding efforts to recognise skills gained through work and informal training.

Speaking on Friday, July 24, during the launch of the Next Generation Youth Employment Programme (NextGen.KE) at State House, Nairobi, Ruto said the move would allow thousands of young Kenyans to access formal employment despite not following conventional education pathways.

The President said the government had doubled the target after receiving far more applications than initially expected, increasing the number of beneficiaries from 20,000 to 40,000.