Ruto pledges Sh80 million fund for artisans and skills certification
Key points
- Ruto announced an Sh80 million support fund aimed at artisans.
- The pitch includes certification for skilled workers without formal certificates.
- Delivery will depend on honest assessment, not only launch photos.
Kenya’s economy still runs on hands that never saw a graduation gown. Eastleigh Voice reports that President Ruto pledged an Sh80 million support fund for artisans and a skills certification programme for people who learned through apprenticeship and practice.
That matters for garage mechanics, welders, tailors and builders who lose tenders or loans because they lack papers. Recognition of prior learning can unlock formal markets — if assessors are fair and fees do not recreate exclusion.
What artisans should demand
Clear application routes, county-level assessment centres, and published numbers of certificates issued versus money spent. Pair certification with tool grants or SACCO credit so paper is not the only output.
TVET colleges and industry bodies need a seat at the table so standards are real, not political stickers.
Jobs politics
Youth unemployment is a 2027 issue. Sh80 million is a start only if it scales and survives audit.
Education and skills contacts: directory.
Based on Eastleigh Voice reporting of the President’s artisans fund pledge.
