President William Ruto today openly praised his Deputy Prof Kithure Kindiki as highly- educated and commitend leaders compared to former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.
Speaking at Kinoru Stadium in Meru County before thousands of youths drawn from Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi counties, the President said his administration was now firmly on course to deliver development promises, crediting prof Kindiki’s leadership and commitment.
“If you want to succeed, get a deputy who is more learned than you. You will be praised for his success,” Mr Ruto said, drawing cheers from the crowd.
In remarks widely interpreted as a jab at his Gachagua , the President said past leadership slowed developments due to lack of support by his then the deputy .
“I don’t want to talk much, but the other one was not competent. Now a highly educated and equal to the task who delivers and helps me achieve development projects for Kenyans,” he said.
The President used the occasion to defend the Nyota programme, saying it targets grassroots youth to help them start businesses and improve their livelihoods.
Accompanied by area Cabinet secretaries,Permanent secretaries ,Senators ,Governor’s and Mps from the region , he stressed that enrolment into the programme is free and warned that officials demanding bribes would face full force of the law.
“This programme does not require anyone to pay to be enrolled. We will deal firmly with anyone who tries to extort money from the youth,” he said.
Mr Ruto said beneficiaries would receive digital tools to help them run their businesses, access bridging support through the Hustler Fund and benefit from follow-up assessments to track progress.
“We are not just giving you resources. We are building business enterprises,” he added.
The President said the programme was designed to reach all young people, including those who missed out on secondary or tertiary education due to lack of school fees.
“Many children did not miss school because they were not intelligent, but because of poverty. That is why we are empowering them economically,” said the president .
He dismissed criticism from the opposition, accusing it of politicizing government programmes and lacking a clear development agenda.
“We have spoken through action. Others only make promises,” he said.
Mr Ruto also defended the affordable housing programme, saying it had faced resistance despite creating thousands of jobs, and reiterated his administration’s commitment to digital jobs and economic inclusion.
Deputy President Kindiki said the Nyota programme specifically targets youths who did not access higher education, describing it as a government grant not a loan.
“This is not a political campaign. It is a programme to empower households and uplift the youth,” Kindiki said.
He noted at least 90,000 young people would benefit through skills training, certification and direct support, insisting that allocation would be non-discriminatory.
Mr Kindiki accused the opposition of undermining the initiative, noting that similar programmes were absent when they were in power.
“This government is deliberate and intentional. Bottom-up economic model is not a slogan,it is a reality,” he said.
