Parliament Receives Ksh300 Billion Youth Employment Proposal as Lobby Pushes for ‘Ukombozi Budget’
The proposal, submitted to Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo on Thursday, June 25, by the Youth and Young Aspirants League of the United Green Movement (UGM), seeks to establish what the group has dubbed the “Ukombozi Budget”, a comprehensive employment programme targeting an estimated three million unemployed young Kenyans beginning in July 2026.
The petition was deliberately presented on the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024 Gen Z protests, with the lobby saying the proposal seeks to address one of the key grievances that drove thousands of young Kenyans to the streets—persistent unemployment and limited economic opportunities.
According to the petitioners, Kenya cannot achieve sustainable economic growth without placing youth employment at the centre of national planning.
“Most of the young people who were in the streets in 2024, 60 of whom were killed by police, wanted a better life for themselves, their families and all Kenyans to live lives of dignity as promised by the Constitution of Kenya 2010. Government has not responded to the issues that were raised by the youth in June 2024, including tackling spiralling youth unemployment,” the petition states.
Ksh300 Billion Employment Plan
The proposal outlines an extensive programme designed to create both short-term relief and long-term economic opportunities for unemployed youth.
The largest allocation, amounting to Ksh168 billion, would finance monthly payments of Ksh7,000 to approximately two million unskilled unemployed youth participating in public works programmes over a one-year period.
According to the lobby, the initiative would simultaneously provide income support while improving public infrastructure and community services across the country.
A further Ksh60 billion has been earmarked to provide one-off grants of Ksh150,000 to 400,000 skilled unemployed youth, enabling them to establish small businesses and become self-employed.
The petition argues that entrepreneurship remains one of the fastest ways to reduce unemployment while stimulating local economic growth.
Focus on Skills Development
Beyond direct financial support, the proposal recommends investing heavily in vocational education and technical skills.
An additional Ksh28 billion would cater for programme administration, monitoring, implementation and evaluation.
Former Chief Justice Backs Proposal
Notably, the petition bears the endorsement of former Chief Justice David Maraga, adding significant public profile to the proposal.
Petitioners further urge Parliament to introduce dedicated annual budget allocations for youth innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development rather than relying solely on existing employment programmes.
Youth Unemployment Remains Major National Challenge
The proposal highlights what the group describes as Kenya’s demographic advantage, noting that young people below the age of 35 account for nearly 75 per cent of the country’s population.
It further argues that citizens aged between 18 and 35 years represent approximately 67 per cent of all unemployed Kenyans, making youth unemployment one of the country’s most pressing socio-economic challenges.
“Properly harnessed, this youth bulge will transform the Country’s socio-economic status if sufficient jobs and employment are available,” the petition states.
Economists have long argued that Kenya’s youthful population presents both an opportunity and a challenge, depending on whether the economy generates sufficient employment opportunities.
Parliament Expected to Consider Proposal
The submission comes shortly after President William Ruto signed the Finance Bill 2026 into law, paving the way for implementation of the Ksh4.8 trillion 2026/27 national budget.
While Parliament is under no legal obligation to adopt the proposal, lawmakers may refer the petition to the relevant committees for consideration before making recommendations to the National Treasury.
If implemented, the proposed Ksh300 billion employment package would represent one of Kenya’s largest youth-focused economic interventions, reflecting growing calls for government policies that directly address unemployment, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment following the landmark Gen Z demonstrations of 2024.
Parliament Receives Ksh300 Billion Youth Employment Proposal as Lobby Pushes for ‘Ukombozi Budget’
