Deputy President William Ruto on Monday, May 23, called out Azimio la Umoja One Kenya presidential flag-bearer Raila Odinga over remarks he made after having lunch at a popular fish joint in Nairobi.
Speaking during a rally in Murang'a county, Ruto accused Odinga of undermining Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), through which the youth earn a living.
He argued that Raila was out of touch with the plight of young people in the country, whom he defended for turning to business to make ends meet.
"Yesterday (Sunday) the man of Kitendawili stated that graduates should not engage in business through MSMEs. I want to tell you, stop it with the ego and despising, you do not know the problems of the common man," he remarked.
The DP rebated stating that many degree holders were doing business and did not need the ODM leader's alleged patronage. He mooted that instead, the youth needed ways to better their businesses and make them more profitable.
"Very many graduates are in MSEs and do not need patronage. What they need is a means to expand and uplift their business- and if you do not have a plan for them, we in Kenya Kwanza have one," Ruto added.
Ruto's remarks come after the former Premier, while addressing supporters in Narok County on Sunday, narrated his experience at the popular fish joint. However, he noted that the proprietors decided to venture into business because of unemployment.
Raila promised that should he and his running mate Martha Karua be declared winners of the General Election slated for August 9, he will tackle the issue of unemployment.
"We went to a restaurant in Nairobi manned by students who were done with their university education but lacked jobs. That will come to an end. Youth who have gone through schools should get jobs that they deserve," he added.
On May 10, the African Union High Representative for Development promised to create 14 million jobs in the informal sector. He noted that he would achieve this through the implementation of the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.
"The RPL Policy Framework provides for the recognition of knowledge, skills and competencies regardless of where and how they were acquired. It is a progression map to facilitate skilled workers' transition from informality to formality," he stated.
Odinga opined that for the longest time, millions of Kenyans have suffered in the hands of well-connected certified individuals who exploit their skills.
He noted that certification will cut off the middlemen and ensure the workers earn what they deserve.
