Maraga's UGM party petitions National Assembly for Sh300 billion youth employment programme

Maraga's UGM party petitions National Assembly for Sh300 billion youth employment programme

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UGM says it will continue mobilising support for the proposals through its 'Ukombozi campaign' until measures are taken to substantially reduce youth unemployment.

The United Green Movement (UGM) party, led by former Chief Justice David Maraga, has formally petitioned the National Assembly to consider the establishment of a Sh300 billion youth employment and skills development programme aimed at creating opportunities for three million unemployed young Kenyans.
The petition, submitted on June 25, 2026, coincided with the second anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z protests and was dedicated to the memory of "the more than 60 loved ones who lost their life and limb", as well as others who later died while pursuing justice.
"We therefore petition the National Assembly, in memory and honour of the young people killed on June 25th, 2024, to urgently enact a supplementary Ukombozi budget in FY 2026/2027 to include under the Social Protection sector Sh300 billion to liberate three million youth currently unemployed and ensure they access employment effective July 1, 2026. This allocation should be incremental year-on-year to affirmatively address youth unemployment until youth unemployment is drastically reduced through the creation of dignified jobs," the petition states

The party argues that Kenya's growing youth population presents an opportunity for economic transformation if supported through meaningful employment. However, it warns that persistent unemployment among young people risks fuelling crime, drug abuse, political violence and social instability if left unaddressed.

In the petition, UGM cites Articles 28, 43 and 55 of the Constitution, which guarantee the rights to human dignity, social security and affirmative action to enable young people to access employment. The party says the government should take progressive measures to realise these constitutional rights through targeted investment in youth.

Among the proposals is the creation of a national register of unemployed graduates, diploma and certificate holders, as well as unskilled youth. The petition also seeks dedicated funding for youth innovation, vocational skills development and a cash-for-work programme for unemployed youth.

The proposed Sh300 billion package includes Sh168 billion to provide monthly cash-for-work payments of  Sh7,000 to two million unskilled unemployed youth for one year, Sh60 billion in one-off start-up grants for 400,000 skilled unemployed youth, Sh36 billion for vocational and technical training, and Sh28 billion to administer the programme.

The petition also calls for lifestyle audit legislation to help curb corruption, arguing that savings from reduced graft could be redirected towards youth employment initiatives.
UGM says it will continue mobilising support for the proposals through its 'Ukombozi campaign' until measures are taken to substantially reduce youth unemployment.

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