Deputy President William Ruto has pledged to scrap the requirement of work experience for government jobs targeting the youth should he be elected in the August 9 polls.
Speaking during the Kenya Kwanza Youth Charter at Nyayo stadium on Monday, June 27, Ruto noted that the requirements had locked out millions of youths amidst the skyrocketing unemployment in the country.
Further, he promised to cushion business through various tax incentives which will see many youth secure jobs and internships.
"I commit to designing tax incentives for companies offering internship and apprenticeship programs to youth. Additionally, legislation to end the exploitative practice of unpaid internships. A living wage/ stipend to be paid to all interns. Furthermore, government incentives for employers employing youth with no prior experience.
"The National Employment Authority should increase mechanisms to identify untapped opportunities and advance information sharing amongst state agencies to ensure expeditious clearance of prospective job seekers," he stated.
Additionally, the DP indicated that his government would prioritise the implementation of procurement laws which dictate that youth, women and other special groups should get 30 per cent of government tenders.
Ruto also committed to implement a law that guarantees a 30-day timeline for payment of all services rendered to the government by the youth.
While noting that many youth had joined the creative industry in search of employment, the DP stated that his government would reduce taxes for content creators to ensure that more youth are absorbed in the industry.
"Zero rate taxes on investments in equipment used in film and photography and reduction of taxes for content creators for them to generate more income. I will also support the use of cutting-edge technology such as drones and allow for filming and photography in public places so that it showcases our Country and its development.
"Legislate policy on promoting 70-75% local content, intellectual property rights government to pass the creative economy bill in the first 100 days."
In the health sector, the Kenya Kwanza leader stated that his administration will offer scholarship opportunities for the youth in the medical field to advance their education.
Further, the United Democratic Alliance presidential candidate added that he will increase funding for the sports sector to tap the talent of the youth at the grassroots.
"Expand National Youth Talent Academy (NYTA) to include all sports and simultaneously devolve it to the county level to introduce County Sports Talent Academy with a capacity to systematically identify promising sporting talent and provide necessary support through sponsorship to further their skills/talent.
"Gazette sporting facilities as a way of protecting them from being acquired by individuals; and appoint youth on committees and bodies that make decisions on sports."
The DP also pledged to raise HELB allocation, publication of international scholarships, abolishing of vetting for IDs, 30 per cent appointment of to government and the installation of WI-FI in public spaces among others.
