KISUMU County— Feb 2, 2026 — President William Ruto on Monday defended his administration’s education reforms, saying his government is deliberately fixing structural weaknesses inherited from previous regimes, as he presided over the disbursement of Sh220 million in youth business start-up capital under the NYOTA programme.
Speaking at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu County, the President said young people remain Kenya’s greatest national asset and that sustained investment in education and skills development is central to empowering them and securing the country’s future.
Ruto said the Kenya Kwanza administration has prioritised education funding and staffing to address long-standing challenges, including teacher shortages, delayed capitation and chronic underfunding of public universities and technical institutions.
“Our young people are the greatest resource we have as a nation. That is why education is not optional,” the President said.
He accused the previous administration of mismanaging the education sector, claiming that at least 21 public universities were facing possible closure due to insolvency when his government assumed office.
In response, Ruto said his administration has increased capitation to public schools and reformed the disbursement process to ensure funds reach institutions on time. He noted that capitation funds were released before learners reported to school this term, allowing administrators to plan effectively.
To address staffing gaps, the President said the government has hired 100,000 teachers, describing it as the most extensive teacher recruitment drive in the country’s history.
He added that additional funding has been allocated to universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to stabilise their finances and safeguard access to higher education.
During the event, the President oversaw the disbursement of NYOTA business start-up capital to 8,820 youth beneficiaries from Siaya, Kisumu and Homa Bay counties.
The NYOTA programme focuses on youth empowerment through skills development, enterprise support and job creation, and forms part of the government’s broader strategy to link education with economic opportunity.
