William Ruto Admits Unemployment Forced Him To Join Politics: "I Know What It Means"

• President William Ruto disclosed that the state of unemployment was the driving force behind him joining politics
• He encouraged youths to join the digital space as a source of employment and earning in dollars as they work remotely
• The head of state presided over the launch of Call Centre International (CCI) Global Contact Centre at Tatu City in Kiambu county

President William Ruto has disclosed the reason he decided to join politics and vie for a parliamentary seat in the former Eldoret North constituency.

Speaking during the launch of Call Centre International (CCI) Global Contact Centre at Tatu City in Kiambu county on Friday, May 10,, Ruto said his decorated political career was triggered by the state of unemployment.

Ruto clearly stated that he understood what it felt like to be unemployed.

"I know what it means not to have a job. I did not have a job until I decided to run for a member of parliament but I understand not everybody can be a member of parliament, and therefore we have to create opportunities for others," he said.

What is Ruto's message to youths?

The president urged the youths employed at the centre to use the opportunity well stating that diligent work attracts investors.

"Use this opportunity well and make us proud, because when you do well you encourage companies to come on board and give an opportunity to others," Ruto said.

Ruto on online jobs for youths

According to Ruto, the digital space is meant for the unemployed youth graduate who have not been accommodated into the job market in the country.

He said the millions of unemployed graduates was the most urgent challenge in the country, which could be solved personally and promote the country's economic growth.

"The single most urgent challenge we have as a country is millions of young Kenyans out of school and they do not have an opportunity to work. This is an opportunity for them to make their lives better and grow our economy," Ruto explained.

Earlier, the president had commended Narok graduate, Abraham Leitepa, for embracing the digital space and earning KSh 68,000 per week, which he reinforced during his speech on Friday, May 10.

"The young people working on computers are among the ones I have been telling Kenyans about. Tufinye computer tuweke dollar kwa mfuko,(tapping the computers and pocketing the dollar)," he added.

William Ruto secures jobs for Kenyans

In April, the president claimed he had secured one million jobs for Kenyans who will work remotely and receive payment in dollars.

He said the Information Communication Technology (ICT) hubs put up across the country would help solve unemployment crisis among youths.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.