President William Ruto’s administration is set to roll out a new program to provide employment opportunities to 20,000 youths across the country.
The State Department for Labour and Skills Development will partner with the Volunteer-Involving Organisations Society (VIO) Kenya, to launch a new volunteerism-focused initiative as part of broader efforts to combat youth unemployment.
Labour Principal Secretary (PS) Shadrack Mwadime said the joint initiative intends to turn volunteering into a pathway for employment.
Through practical volunteer work, the programme will build a variety of talents, including transferable, soft, and technical skills.
The goal is clear: to boost employability, support career growth, and contribute to Kenya’s economic progress. The initiative opens new doors for our youth, turning volunteer hours into opportunities for meaningful work,” Mwadime said in a statement.
VIO Kenya’s national chairperson, Meshack Odede, reaffirmed this commitment, noting that since 2008 the group has brought together volunteers and partners to advance peace and development.
“Now, we are proud to lead this nationwide effort to translate volunteer experience into real job opportunities,” he stated.
By providing free training and certification, the program will open up a clear path from voluntary work to paid employment.
It also aims to promote a culture in which volunteering is acknowledged as a legitimate step toward lifelong learning and job growth.
The collaboration brings together educational institutions, non-governmental organisations, corporate social responsibility departments, community organisations, and governmental organisations, all of which will partner to provide young people with the resources and assistance they require.
The initiative aligns with national development goals, such as African Vision 2063 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), amid the high youth unemployment rate.
“The plan is set to roll out in the coming weeks, with details on eligibility, training schedules, and regional outreach expected soon.
“For thousands of young Kenyans, volunteering will no longer be just an act of giving back; it will become a stepping stone to a brighter future,” the Ministry of Labour added.
(Tuko)
